With All My Heart

Shadows of the Crown #9

by Margaret Campbell Barnes

The passionate and gripping love story of dashing Charles II and loyal Catherine of Braganza.

The timid, young, convent-bred Portuguese princess who came to Restoration England to be the bride of Charles II seemed a pathetic pawn in the sophisticated game of statesmanship.

Attended by a vigilant army of ladies-in-waiting and painfully naive, virtuous Catherine was desperate to make her marriage a success, but life was not easy for the foreign bride.

Her husband's father had been executed by his own subjects, Charles was considered a heretic, and his amorous success with women was the subject of gossip.

The marriage seemed doomed and for Catherine of Braganza it was a frightening venture, offering only a slender chance of happiness.

Tormented by the knowledge that her husband had a mistress and had loved others before her, Catherine was torn, struggling to control her fiery temper and play the doting wife.

But she proved to be a woman of passionate integrity, and from the moment she set eyes on the darkly handsome King Charles she continued to love him utterly.

Eventually she managed to hold her own with dignity and courage even when challenged by the ensnaring beauty and ruthless ambition of women like Lady Castlemaine.

Charles, who was unaccustomed to such intense loyalty, loved Catherine in all her fiery innocence.

As her strength and understanding grew, she withstood the rivalry of dazzling courtesans, fanatical accusations about her religious beliefs and the strain of failing to produce an heir.

And eventually, she discovered how secure, after all, were the foundations of her ill-fated marriage, realising that the cunning nature of women like Lady Castlemaine could never come between the love of her and her husband.

When her own future was in danger, Catherine found a defender in Charles.

Only then did she understand the wise words of her beloved donna Maria Penalva, the elderly and blind woman who had guided her through the tumultuous early stages of her marriage.

With All My Heart is a beautifully written historical novel focusing on Charles II and his Queen.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, British Literature, 17th Century

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1951

About the author

Margaret Campbell Wood was born on 17 February 1891 in Rotherfield, Sussex, England, UK. She was the youngest of ten children, who had a happy childhood in the Sussex country side. She was eventually educated at small private schools in Paris and London.

She married Peter Barnes in 1917,( a furniture salesman), and the couple had two sons, Michael and John. Michael, a Royal Armoured Corps Lieutenant, was killed during WW II.

She died on 1 April 1962 in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

Her books are historical novels, called Shadows of the Crown, that follow the history of the English Crown. The majority of her books were written between the 1940's and 1950's. Her last and posthumous novel Lady on the Coin was finished by the novelist Hebe Elsna

Over two million copies of Margaret's historical novels have been sold worldwide.

Reviews

[Orsolya · Rating 3 out of 5]

King Charles II is often synonymous with the image of a paramour. Charles was very much loved by the ladies if his mistresses are any indication; and he had more than enough affection to return, all around. What most people tend to dismiss is that Charles had a wife at his side, Queen Catherine of Braganza (Portugal). Avoiding scandal and politics; Catherine was a devout Catholic, a charming woman and a sensitive soul backed with occasional fiery streaks. This rather calm disposition means Catherine didn’t leave tales of great drama for prosperity (although she popularized tea-drinking in England, so there’s that!). One of the queens of English historical fiction (no pun intended), Margaret Campbell Barnes, attempts to showcase Catherine and her marriage to Charles II in, “With All My Heart”.

In usual Barnes style, “With All My Heart” immediately dives into a narrative eschewing an ‘introduction’ or buildup. Although this could be problematic in other texts; Barnes is a literary master and it works in her favor of creating a nuanced story that is subtle and organic but layered. Barnes’s writing is floral, illustrative and vivid creating strong images in the reader’s eye without being cheesy or overly romanticized. “With All My Heart” focuses on the social and personal lives of Catherine and Charles instead of being politically-charged but don’t worry: this is not a bodice-ripper. Barnes maintains a historic appeal.

Expanding on this, even though not as much is known about Catherine as history-lovers would hope; Barnes doesn’t take overly contrived historical liberties and “With All My Heart” is quite believable based on what we do know and feels very ‘real’. This creates a compelling, rich and entertaining narrative.

On a negative note, the characterizations of both Catherine and Charles feel slightly one-dimensional and under-developed. They aren’t poor representations; but Barnes could have offered more growth which would have made the plot of “With All My Heart” even better as a character-study piece.

As “With All My Heart” progresses, there is more of a focus on Charles’s reign, politics, the Great Fire of London and the war with the Dutch. Although not overly detailed; Barnes weaves these beautifully into the tapestry of Catherine and the possible reactions she may have/could have expressed.

Barnes finally ignites Catherine’s spark into a fire in the concluding chapters when highlighting the Titus Oates accusation against her and the rebellion of James of Monmouth (Charles’s first-born illegitimate son). “With All My Heart” gains both momentum and color while filling out the portrayal of Catherine with ‘pizzazz’.

Even with this boost, the ending of “With All My Heart” feels rushed, overly-circulated and informal in comparison to the rest of the novel but still strong on the historical accuracy and acumen. The finality does, however, envelope Catherine well and allude to her importance and legacy making for a memorable closing.

Like most early-published historical fiction novels (“With All My Heart” was published in 1951); Barnes unfortunately doesn’t offer a prologue or note explaining and liberties she did take with the narrative.

“With All My Heart” is a solid and delightful window into the marriage of Catherine of Braganza and Charles II. Although the text isn’t as strong as the other output from Barnes; it successfully avoids fluff and is historically raw while being beautifully written. “With All My Heart” is suggested for all readers interested in King Charles II and Stuart England” and is a rather quick but delightful story.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the other books I have read about Catherine were always from King Charles II pov. This was from hers and it's interesting to witness her interpretation of their relationship versus his. For the most part I liked this Catherine but other times she was too insecure and immature. Charles, however, was always Charles. The author reminds me of Jean Plaidy but Jean was still the Queen! Rating 3.5 stars up. Lots of typos, grammar and punctuation errors!

[Cyn Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly, I have to say the plot itself was not too bad. However, I found it hard to grasp the writing style. There seemed to be a lot of long winded sentences filled with a jargon of words. The insertion of foreign phrases (none English words that cropped up really often) in the text was disruptive, and there is the possibility that readers could miss out on vital meanings in the text as a result of not understanding these phrases. I found it hard to engage with the characters. I did sympathise with Catherine, but I was more annoyed at the portrayal of her helpless adoration and idolisation of her husband, and this conflicted with the angry-independent-headstrong Catherine scenes. Charles' charisma, sex and kingship seemed to absolve him from all wrong and turn him into a saint. I found the book arguing to justify his adultery, which was a strange moment for me in the book. The last bit of the book felt rushed, the death scene came across as detached and felt lacking.

Overall this book isn't one that I would recommend to others- but as said earlier, this could be a personal preference as I'm not really into soppy helpless romantic novels.

You can find a more in depth review on my blog, http://snowreads.blogspot.co.uk.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book since the author does follow the real life of Catherine of Braganza who was Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1662 to 1685, and was the wife of King Charles II.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather staid read , not my favourite of Margaret Campbell Barnes historical novels.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with other reviews at only 288 pages the pace of this is slow and makes it feel a lot longer than it is. But it was enjoyable, the author used historical events and biographies of Catherine to frame the plot and then a fictionalized narrative and dialogue to flesh out and humanize Catherine, Charles, and their marriage. Although this is fictional element is superstition, I thought this added a lot of understanding of both why Charles was such a staunch defender of Catherine but also why he was he was so insistent of his own way which was so cruel to her. It allowed an understanding of why Catherine accepted much of what she had to.

[Sherry Sharpnack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a SLOW story of Catherine Braganza, the unloved, innocent bride of Charles II. Catherine learned to love
Charles, who grew to love her back, and respect her, (in this fictionalized account, anyway) even though he remained a roue who placed his mistresses into Catherine's household. The Reatoration was a more interesting time period than I remembered, so I found the story of the great plague epidemic and the Great Fire of London in 1666 to be really riveting. Even so, the slowness of the story earned the four stars.

[Mlg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Catherine of Braganza and her marriage to Charles II. Catherine was not prepared to deal with Charles’ many mistresses. They also had differing religions. All of this is set against the backdrop of the Great Fire of London, the Gunpowder Plot and Parliament’s desire to put Catherine into a nunnery so Charles could take a new wife who might bear him an heir. Samuel Pepys and Titus Oates both make appearances too.

[Jane Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story line good, editing poor

Heading says all. Typos, editing issues a major distraction.

I've noticed this editing issue before between the book itself and kindle version. WHY

[Brent Krebs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book in that it was somehow well written AND boring at the same time.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With All My Heart tells the story of Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese princess who comes to England as the wife of King Charles II. Although I’ve read a lot of other novels set during the reign of Charles II, this is the first one that specifically focuses on Catherine. Catherine is portrayed very sympathetically throughout this novel, beginning with her early days in England, trying to adjust to a climate and culture so different from Portugal’s, and later, when she discovers that she will have to share her husband with his many mistresses.

There is some overlap between this book and the last one I read by Barnes – Lady on the Coin – which is about Frances Stuart, one of the other women at the court of Charles II, but the two novels have a different feel, probably due to the very different personalities and positions of their heroines. One notable difference between the two books is that while major events such as the plague and the Fire of London are only touched on lightly in Lady on the Coin, they are given much more attention in this book and that made this one a more interesting read.

[Kathyelizabethannrachalblackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the romantic story of Charles'll and his arranged marriage for political purposes.

This is truly a lovely story of a young, virile, promiscuous King of England, Charles 'll. It is endearing



























At a very turbulent time in England's history regarding ongoing conflict between religious practices,the King ,who is Protestant, marries a very strongly committed Catholic Portuguese Princess ,primarily for the large sum of her dowery, but also to produce a legitimate heir to the throne of England. Early into their marriage the queen learns that if her marriage is to endure she must develop the fortitude to bear and even forgive her husband's illicit affairs and long time mistress. As she does realize the true insignificance of these liaisons she earns the respect and ultimately the love of her King. What is so remarkable about this royal marriage is the fact that the King does not blame her when she becomes very ill during her first pregnancy,and loses the longed for heir which is her primary role as wife to the king. More serious than that



t is the fact that she can never bear another child for her beloved husband. In such cases it was the typical practice of Kings to have their wives divorced, sent to a convent, or deprived of life through some trumped up charge. But this King is very different. He has come to truly love his wife and will not be rid of her even when given opportunities to do so by other Royal personages, who also desperately want Charles to provide England with a Protestant heir. So as time passes the two souls truly become one, and their love endures until the end of the Kings life.
This is really an amazing love story for it's day and time. It was heart warming for this reader to grow in understanding of the devotion of these two Royal personages. A lovely reading experience, highly recommended for a warm feel good experience.
.
Review by. Kathy R. Blackman

[Annemarie Macken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having never really read anything set in this time period, it was a new experience for me, one which proved of some interest, but the style of writing was not as engaging as I would wish for. There were some enjoyable parts of the text and it was written in a somewhat bittersweet style, but it also contained an air of incredulity which made the reading of it less enjoyable that it might have been otherwise.
The characterisation contained some merit, though it was quite old-fashioned in some respects; despite this, it was hard not to like Catherine Braganza and hold on to the feeling of sorrow for her in all that she had to endure in her marriage to Charles II - the part that failed to engage my sympathy for her was in her unerring love for him despite not received much in return; something just didn't ring true in her presentation here. Similarly, there was something unappealing in the presentation of Charles II - his sheer selfishness was sometimes too much to take.
The plot was a little slow and it seemed to take an age to get through some parts, though it was enjoyable at times, and it is worth ploughing through the text for the sections where it holds the interest of the reader and gives us more of an insight into the life and character of Catherine Braganza, a woman who endured much and displayed inner strength in the face of much to challenge her resolution.
For those who like historical fiction and have an interest in the era of Charles II, a reign when some of the most historical moments occurred, this book is worth having a look at.

[Leya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I knew about Charles II philandering ways, I was still shocked that he did it right in front of his wife. He had no qualms about it either. He had the gall to suggest his mistress to be one his wife's Ladies of the Bedchamber, and he didn't stop there, he even gave one a title. My heart went to Catarina (Catherine), here's this woman who is love with her husband and she has to endure the constant parade of women. And she does it with grace and civility. There are certain times that you see her temper and irritation rise, and I kept on hoping that she would grab one of those women and give them a swift kick in the behind. But no such luck!

Even with his adulterous ways, I enjoyed the story. Catarina completely and utterly loved him, and at times you could see his caring warmth towards her. For instance, during an illness Charles II stayed with Catarina all throughout, and during her feverish ramblings he appeased and took care of her.

I think what I enjoyed the most was the ability that the author had to suck me in. Even though I wanted to throw the book against a wall several times, I didn't. I kept on reading, hoping and wishing that Chuck would redeem himself, and knowing that he wouldn't...but a girl can hope.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naive and recently released from the convent where she had been schooled, Catherine was a Portuguese princess destined to marry Charles II of England. Catherine was a Catholic, wed to the ruler of a Protestant country. That itself was enough to cause problems, but Charles had mistresses...lots of mistresses.

The author does a marvelous job of detailing the starry-eyed bride who falls in love with her husband but doesn't understand her why her husband feels compelled to be unfaithful to his marriage vows. Then there's a personal tragedy that tears at Catherine's heart. Religious differences, the fickleness of the English citizenry, and the pressures of political rumblings in other countries don't help either. Somehow she manages to ride these out and the years pass. And she comes to understand that marriage between two individuals can shift and change but still remain strong where it counts--in the human heart!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting "fictional" biography of Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife to Charles II. Worth reading along with The Merry Monarch's Wife and The Portingale.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about someone I've never read about before, even if it was fiction. I gave 3 stars because I felt at times it just went on and on. Not the best writing style in my opinion, but an interesting topic to me.

**I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a review**

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fictionalized biography about Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II. This copy does not have a dust cover.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this back in 1962 in an earlier edition. It's historical fiction about Catherine of Braganza.

[Anny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was reading it in estonian language

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Loved it! Gave a real feel for the time and the history. If you love historical fiction you will love it