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The First Queen of England #1
The First Queen: An incredibly gripping historical romance featuring England's first crowned queen
Before Anne Boleyn stole the heart of a king and demanded marriage, another woman strove to wed an already married king of England. This is the story of Elfrida, who would become the first crowned Queen of England.
England is united under Edgar, but twenty years of uncertainty and a dwindling royal nursery, have left the royal family vulnerable to extinction.Edgar, a king at only 15 years old, has an acknowledged daughter and wife, but the dying ealdorman, Æthelwald, has commanded his wife to seek out the king, now in his early twenties. True to her husband’s wishes, Elfrida pursues the King, nervous of her husband’s intentions but trusting them all the same. When the king tries to make her his concubine, Elfrida refuses and withdraws from the court, only to find herself dreaming of the King, desiring his touch and his presence.When the king seeks her out once more, she willingly follows him back to his court. She finds herself plunged into a world of politics and self-interest where her future happiness rests not only on the king loving her but also on the goodwill of others with much to play for at the king’s court.Bringing alive the characters of tenth-century England; its young King, Edgar; its Ealdormen, Byrhtnoth, Æthelwine, and Ælfhere; the great reforming religious figures of Archbishop Dunstan, Bishop Æthelwold and Oswald and the great women of the period, Lady Elfrida, Lady Æthelflæd and Lady Wulfthryn, The First Queen of England evokes tenth century England at its most enigmatic, shining a welcome light on England’s first crowned queen, a woman who would go on to accomplish much, but who must first steal the heart of an amorous king and earn her place at court, and overcome the obstacle of the outcome of not only the King’s second marriage but also his first.The Mercian Brexit can be read as an introduction to The First Queen of England - offering an account of the very early days of King Edgar's reign from AD955-957.Suggested Reading Order The Mercian Brexit (short story)The First Queen of EnglandThe First Queen of England Part 2The First Queen of England Part 3The King's MotherThe Queen DowagerOnce A QueenPraise for The First Queen of England "I am still reading this book - but it is a great read so far, and the fact that it takes you back before the Norman Conquest makes it more interesting. I love my history (favourite authors Jean Plaidy & Philippa Gregory) I think anyone who wants to start reading some history stories could not go wrong starting with this book." Amazon Reviewer"The First Queen Of England’ is the first instalment of Elfrida’s story. This is a really well-written book, based on sound research and good knowledge of the historical context of the story." Amazon Reviewer"M. J. Porter definitely did her research homework, which is challenging when it comes to writing about an age before printing presses and widespread book distribution. Her genealogy and succession charts in the back are especially informative. Elfrida is a sympathetic character and the reader looks to see her have a good outcome as the story unfolds. Interesting journey into pre-Norman Conquest England." Amazon Reviewer
England is united under Edgar, but twenty years of uncertainty and a dwindling royal nursery, have left the royal family vulnerable to extinction.Edgar, a king at only 15 years old, has an acknowledged daughter and wife, but the dying ealdorman, Æthelwald, has commanded his wife to seek out the king, now in his early twenties. True to her husband’s wishes, Elfrida pursues the King, nervous of her husband’s intentions but trusting them all the same. When the king tries to make her his concubine, Elfrida refuses and withdraws from the court, only to find herself dreaming of the King, desiring his touch and his presence.When the king seeks her out once more, she willingly follows him back to his court. She finds herself plunged into a world of politics and self-interest where her future happiness rests not only on the king loving her but also on the goodwill of others with much to play for at the king’s court.Bringing alive the characters of tenth-century England; its young King, Edgar; its Ealdormen, Byrhtnoth, Æthelwine, and Ælfhere; the great reforming religious figures of Archbishop Dunstan, Bishop Æthelwold and Oswald and the great women of the period, Lady Elfrida, Lady Æthelflæd and Lady Wulfthryn, The First Queen of England evokes tenth century England at its most enigmatic, shining a welcome light on England’s first crowned queen, a woman who would go on to accomplish much, but who must first steal the heart of an amorous king and earn her place at court, and overcome the obstacle of the outcome of not only the King’s second marriage but also his first.The Mercian Brexit can be read as an introduction to The First Queen of England - offering an account of the very early days of King Edgar's reign from AD955-957.Suggested Reading Order The Mercian Brexit (short story)The First Queen of EnglandThe First Queen of England Part 2The First Queen of England Part 3The King's MotherThe Queen DowagerOnce A QueenPraise for The First Queen of England "I am still reading this book - but it is a great read so far, and the fact that it takes you back before the Norman Conquest makes it more interesting. I love my history (favourite authors Jean Plaidy & Philippa Gregory) I think anyone who wants to start reading some history stories could not go wrong starting with this book." Amazon Reviewer"The First Queen Of England’ is the first instalment of Elfrida’s story. This is a really well-written book, based on sound research and good knowledge of the historical context of the story." Amazon Reviewer"M. J. Porter definitely did her research homework, which is challenging when it comes to writing about an age before printing presses and widespread book distribution. Her genealogy and succession charts in the back are especially informative. Elfrida is a sympathetic character and the reader looks to see her have a good outcome as the story unfolds. Interesting journey into pre-Norman Conquest England." Amazon Reviewer
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2017
About the author
M.J. Porter
114 books262 followersI'm an author of historical fiction (Early English/Saxon, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest, as well as five 20th-century historical mysteries) and historical fantasy.
I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it's little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!
I like to write. You've been warned!
Not sure where to start your journey through Saxon/Early England? The Dark Ages trilogy will take readers back to the very beginnings of Saxon England before the creation of Mercia and the other kingdoms. The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles featuring our reluctant hero, Icel, will introduce you to the best Saxon kingdom of all, Mercia! Storm of Mercia is the latest release.
Looking for my 20th-century mysteries? The Erdington Mysteries, and Cragside, a standalone 1930s murder mystery, are the titles for you.
My first non-fiction book, The Royal Women Who Made England, is now published by Pen and Sword in hardback and ebook.
Happy reading:)
Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing! I also have an online store for signed paperbacks and a few others goodies at mjporterauthor.co.uk.
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
https://mjporterauthor.sumupstore.com
You can join my monthly subscriber newsletters and gain access to the restricted page on my blog at the same time.
https://BookHip.com/MGWHLDC (Saxon stories)
https://BookHip.com/THPKCKP (mysteries only)
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it's little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!
I like to write. You've been warned!
Not sure where to start your journey through Saxon/Early England? The Dark Ages trilogy will take readers back to the very beginnings of Saxon England before the creation of Mercia and the other kingdoms. The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles featuring our reluctant hero, Icel, will introduce you to the best Saxon kingdom of all, Mercia! Storm of Mercia is the latest release.
Looking for my 20th-century mysteries? The Erdington Mysteries, and Cragside, a standalone 1930s murder mystery, are the titles for you.
My first non-fiction book, The Royal Women Who Made England, is now published by Pen and Sword in hardback and ebook.
Happy reading:)
Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing! I also have an online store for signed paperbacks and a few others goodies at mjporterauthor.co.uk.
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
https://mjporterauthor.sumupstore.com
You can join my monthly subscriber newsletters and gain access to the restricted page on my blog at the same time.
https://BookHip.com/MGWHLDC (Saxon stories)
https://BookHip.com/THPKCKP (mysteries only)
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 21, 2017
I had great hopes for this book but alas it let me down. The author wrote to titillate the reader with a lack of substance to the actual story. I was disappointed with the story because it could have been very interesting. It was my travel book and a hard go to finish.
October 31, 2018
Boring bodice buster
The worst book l have read in years .no history at all only a half hearted supposedly sexual tease .absolute rubbish avoid at all cost .author should stick to writing shopping lists
The worst book l have read in years .no history at all only a half hearted supposedly sexual tease .absolute rubbish avoid at all cost .author should stick to writing shopping lists
August 2, 2019
A fabulous read.
Elfrida, or Ælfryth, was anointed and crowned queen of England in the same ceremony that her husband, Edgar, was crowned King in 973 AD.
‘The First Queen Of England’ is the first instalment of Elfrida’s story. This is a really well-written book, based on sound research and good knowledge of the historical context of the story.
Historically, there is quite limited information available on the early life of Elfrida, but Porter has penned a well-crafted and believable personal story which, while it is fictional, is consistent what is known of both Elfrida and Edgar and their families.
This task brings with it many challenges, not the least of which is diffusing a cast of characters from the different perspectives and accounts of history which have been the subject of discussion and debate for centuries. In presenting lead characters who are engaging and interesting, but also flawed and fallible, the author has given the reader people with whom they can relate at a very human level, despite their differences in social status and experience, and the changes in society that have occurred during the vast amount of time that stands between them.
The supporting characters are likewise portrayed with not only their attractive qualities and strengths on public display, but also their motivations and interests exposed to the reader’s scrutiny. This gives the reader a rich insight into the machinations and social engineering of life at court and among the nobility in 10th century England. The characterisation is detailed, insightful and razor sharp, revealing the author’s considerable talent at filling in the blanks on the pages of history and creating characters that are complex and often quite delightful in the way they play their roles.
Porter paints the settings and events in vivid colours and textures that seem almost tangible, bringing Elfrida’s home in Wessex and the King’s court at Winchester to life in such a way that each place is depicted clearly and then becomes familiar to the reader as the story progresses.
A richly and intricately detailed work of historical fiction, ‘The First Queen Of England’ is an immensely enjoyable read.
Elfrida, or Ælfryth, was anointed and crowned queen of England in the same ceremony that her husband, Edgar, was crowned King in 973 AD.
‘The First Queen Of England’ is the first instalment of Elfrida’s story. This is a really well-written book, based on sound research and good knowledge of the historical context of the story.
Historically, there is quite limited information available on the early life of Elfrida, but Porter has penned a well-crafted and believable personal story which, while it is fictional, is consistent what is known of both Elfrida and Edgar and their families.
This task brings with it many challenges, not the least of which is diffusing a cast of characters from the different perspectives and accounts of history which have been the subject of discussion and debate for centuries. In presenting lead characters who are engaging and interesting, but also flawed and fallible, the author has given the reader people with whom they can relate at a very human level, despite their differences in social status and experience, and the changes in society that have occurred during the vast amount of time that stands between them.
The supporting characters are likewise portrayed with not only their attractive qualities and strengths on public display, but also their motivations and interests exposed to the reader’s scrutiny. This gives the reader a rich insight into the machinations and social engineering of life at court and among the nobility in 10th century England. The characterisation is detailed, insightful and razor sharp, revealing the author’s considerable talent at filling in the blanks on the pages of history and creating characters that are complex and often quite delightful in the way they play their roles.
Porter paints the settings and events in vivid colours and textures that seem almost tangible, bringing Elfrida’s home in Wessex and the King’s court at Winchester to life in such a way that each place is depicted clearly and then becomes familiar to the reader as the story progresses.
A richly and intricately detailed work of historical fiction, ‘The First Queen Of England’ is an immensely enjoyable read.
June 3, 2019
I went into this book with a lot of hope. I had heard some great things about it, so I was hoping for a well-rounded story. If you like romance, then this is a book you might enjoy. If you are looking for historical fiction, keep going.
Elfrida lost her husband at a young age. When he tells her on his deathbed to go to the King, she is not sure what he means. But, she follows his instructions and with her father soon sets off for court, where she will meet King Edgar.
As the story progresses, they begin to figure out a way to put aside his second wife and make Elfrida his new wife, and queen. But it is not going to be easy.
Elfrida becomes the first woman crowned as queen of England, alongside her husband.
As I stated at first, I was rather disappointed with this story. I felt as though the "passion" that they had could have been minimized, and the real story of these two brought forward. She was a powerful woman and one that would be influential for years to come, even after the death of Edgar. To put her in this light, well, it was as though nothing else mattered. Not one that I will recommend at all.
Elfrida lost her husband at a young age. When he tells her on his deathbed to go to the King, she is not sure what he means. But, she follows his instructions and with her father soon sets off for court, where she will meet King Edgar.
As the story progresses, they begin to figure out a way to put aside his second wife and make Elfrida his new wife, and queen. But it is not going to be easy.
Elfrida becomes the first woman crowned as queen of England, alongside her husband.
As I stated at first, I was rather disappointed with this story. I felt as though the "passion" that they had could have been minimized, and the real story of these two brought forward. She was a powerful woman and one that would be influential for years to come, even after the death of Edgar. To put her in this light, well, it was as though nothing else mattered. Not one that I will recommend at all.
June 23, 2017
I rounded this up to 4 stars..maybe 3.75 or so, and the reason is, I felt the characters were not as developed as they could have been. Elfrida was pretty much ruled by her passions,especially for Edgar, and I am not sure that did her justice. She was after all an important figure as Queen and Dowager Queen for many years, but it was a novel after all.
M.J.Porter, in his quite excellent historical note, probably explains this, as he says that: first, it is the least historical novel he has written and, secondly, that he usually focuses on men in this period. The author bases most of his sources on contemporary accounts, which is good. He also says that were he to write a sequel it would be of Elfrida and be ten years later.
Edgar,known as 'The Peaceful', although we did not get into much of this in this tale, was the first King of all England. He built a very large navy and kept the Danes from pillaging as well as keeping peace in the Danelaw. Shires and Hundreds were briefly mentioned as he met with his Eldormen as well as his and his Queen's support of monastic reform.
He died at only 33 years of age but I think there were some very good years that could be part of a sequel or two. Overall I did like the book and am going to look at others this prolific writer had penned.
M.J.Porter, in his quite excellent historical note, probably explains this, as he says that: first, it is the least historical novel he has written and, secondly, that he usually focuses on men in this period. The author bases most of his sources on contemporary accounts, which is good. He also says that were he to write a sequel it would be of Elfrida and be ten years later.
Edgar,known as 'The Peaceful', although we did not get into much of this in this tale, was the first King of all England. He built a very large navy and kept the Danes from pillaging as well as keeping peace in the Danelaw. Shires and Hundreds were briefly mentioned as he met with his Eldormen as well as his and his Queen's support of monastic reform.
He died at only 33 years of age but I think there were some very good years that could be part of a sequel or two. Overall I did like the book and am going to look at others this prolific writer had penned.
September 22, 2019
Knowing already the story of Elfrida, I was in two minds when I decided to read this one. The subtitle - the Tenth Century Anne Boleyn - whilst raised eyebrows, should have sounded alarm bells; and the fact the this was the first in a trilogy worried me whether things would be too slow in kicking off and maintaining my attention.
Nevertheless, I was intrigued> Having a copy of Elfrida by Elizabeth Norton on my shelves, I was curious as to how this author would be their spin on this Anglo-Saxon noblewoman.
Told in the first person narrative, this comes across as a more romaticised version of Elfrida's life. This should come under the banner of historical romance as this is how it plays out (rather clumsily) in the first few chapters.
Unfortunately, for me, that is where I left Elfrida. Sorry to say - not a fan.
Nevertheless, I was intrigued> Having a copy of Elfrida by Elizabeth Norton on my shelves, I was curious as to how this author would be their spin on this Anglo-Saxon noblewoman.
Told in the first person narrative, this comes across as a more romaticised version of Elfrida's life. This should come under the banner of historical romance as this is how it plays out (rather clumsily) in the first few chapters.
Unfortunately, for me, that is where I left Elfrida. Sorry to say - not a fan.
December 5, 2018
The historical details interested me. The writing lacked ingenuity. The queen experiences sexual passion written in the same lack luster language over and over and over. I don't recommend this author or at least this book. It is the first book by this author I have read. I had to skip several passion experience sections because they were so redundant.
May 13, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was disappointed in this book as I had thought it to be historical fiction...unfortunately, there was a lack of history. I feel King Edgar of England and Elfrida both hved stories of their own, but this book only centers on their passion, even that not very well. The writing felt uninspired, also. Only my opinion.
I was disappointed in this book as I had thought it to be historical fiction...unfortunately, there was a lack of history. I feel King Edgar of England and Elfrida both hved stories of their own, but this book only centers on their passion, even that not very well. The writing felt uninspired, also. Only my opinion.
March 5, 2018
decent firs half of her story. Definitely sounds like Anne Boleyn's story. I did find annoying however, the constant questions the author had the main character asking herself throughout the novel... Still not a bad little story.
March 20, 2018
I enjoyed this book, but I must admit I like a historical novel to be more about History rather than romance, so I was a bit disappointed, but I am going to bear with it and hope the 2nd book has more history than romance.
December 20, 2018
A narcissistic tale of seduction Only
Need to wade through abundance of spelling and grammatical errors, etc. Paying anything for this book was too much to pay.
Need to wade through abundance of spelling and grammatical errors, etc. Paying anything for this book was too much to pay.
June 1, 2019
Wonderful historical read. King Edgar has sent his wife and children away. Soon he is pursued by the women , Lady Elfrida who believed she was meant to be married to the King and was deceived by her late husband who knew of her ambitions. She is now a young widow and beautiful . She believes she is meant to rule the country.
Now she discovers that the kings wife and small daughter are to go live in a nunnery her same attraction to the King has never waned and she is determined to win him over with passion . Soon the King is completely entranced with her but her ambition is still to be Queen and rule not to be his amusement. She enlists the help of some manipulative women from the court on how to become his wife and sets on a course to change history.
This is a powerful novel of political ambitions and subterfuge of a court. I enjoyed reading this story. Thank you for the ARC that does not influence my review.
Now she discovers that the kings wife and small daughter are to go live in a nunnery her same attraction to the King has never waned and she is determined to win him over with passion . Soon the King is completely entranced with her but her ambition is still to be Queen and rule not to be his amusement. She enlists the help of some manipulative women from the court on how to become his wife and sets on a course to change history.
This is a powerful novel of political ambitions and subterfuge of a court. I enjoyed reading this story. Thank you for the ARC that does not influence my review.
May 7, 2019
Lady Elfrida has laid her husband to rest. He has died at a very young age. She also is widowed at a young age. Though they had been married for several years there are no living children. She is sent back to her fathers home. Just before her husband passed he had mentioned the King. She discovers that she was supposed to have married the king, but her husband was besotted with her and kept her for himself. It was a happy union. Now she discovers that the kings wife and small daughter are to go live in a nunnery. He will be without a wife. When she meets the king she is instantly beside herself with the strong attraction they feel for each other. She knows that to be Queen she will have to become his wife and not a concubine. With the help of strong ladies from the court, who will advise her on what needs to be done, she will do everything in her power to become the first Queen of England.
Well written. Has actual persons in the storyline.
Interesting!
Well written. Has actual persons in the storyline.
Interesting!
June 17, 2019
I so love English history and this book so well written of history! You don't know who to trust who not to trust! This woman goes through so many changes,emotions and still knows what has to be done! Living the life that they all do who is to say how long you will live. Funny,sad,you go through all this on her travels to become Queen and you do what the King says! Wonderfully written where you feel you are right there with them. It's a sure reader especially if your into English history you learn so much!! Read this you will be so glad you did and now I'm off to read the second and third books.
May 10, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley. I loved this book. Loved everything about it. Cant wait for part 2. I did get confused here and there because the character names are so similar but once I got that down, it was easy to follow. I love to read about history and a story where a woman is still valuable even after being married once before is even better. I will say I knew nothing about this King or Queen of England but i am glad to know them now.
January 12, 2020
Liked it
I liked the book but wasn't crazy about it. Like others, I found it somewhat repetitive and I just couldn't endear myself to any of the characters. I especially found that I really didn't care for Elfrida at all and perhaps that is truly who she was at that point in her life. I will continue on to the next book and see if any of that changes. I also agree with others that this reads more like historical romance than historical fiction.
I liked the book but wasn't crazy about it. Like others, I found it somewhat repetitive and I just couldn't endear myself to any of the characters. I especially found that I really didn't care for Elfrida at all and perhaps that is truly who she was at that point in her life. I will continue on to the next book and see if any of that changes. I also agree with others that this reads more like historical romance than historical fiction.
May 2, 2019
A wonderful and informative book about King Edgar of England and his third wife, Elfrida. I enjoyed this book and read it in one night. Highly recommend to Historical Fiction Fans. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley.
All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley.
All opinions are my own.
May 2, 2019
A wonderful and very interesting story about King Edgar of England and his third wife, Elfrida. Highly enjoyable! I read it in one night. A must for Historical Fiction Fans! Will definitely be reading book two in this series.
November 15, 2017
Very thought provoking. I enjoyed it very much. You have to admire her stamina with all she endured and still came out a winner.
April 12, 2018
Interesting but felt very repetitive
Interesting story to tell but I don't understand why we had to be reminded every other paragraph that she was determined to be queen.
Interesting story to tell but I don't understand why we had to be reminded every other paragraph that she was determined to be queen.
April 7, 2019
Book seemed to be written from a diary point of view. Very one dimensional.
September 17, 2021
Great book
March 25, 2019
Kind of unexciting.....
September 21, 2021
Although some of the events described in this story may be historically accurate and the people real, the actions, thoughts and dialog attributed to them are totally unrealistic. It's a real stretch to believe things actually happened in this way. This story seems more romantic fantasy than historical fiction.
Alex Lee's performance is quite acceptable. She doesn't make a lot of distinction between character voices, but most dialog is clear enough to follow.
This story lacks character development, but that may be because not a lot is known about the personalities of these people. Still, a better feel for the times would certainly be appreciated.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Alex Lee's performance is quite acceptable. She doesn't make a lot of distinction between character voices, but most dialog is clear enough to follow.
This story lacks character development, but that may be because not a lot is known about the personalities of these people. Still, a better feel for the times would certainly be appreciated.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 30, 2017
Thank you Goodreads for sending me this book. An eye catching front cover. I enjoy historical fiction and as soon as I started reading this novel, I knew I was going to enjoy it. The descriptions of the characters, of the places, of the time period etc are all so accurate. The author has done his research on the time period and I feel cannot really be faulted. Whether you learn to enjoy the characters you read about is definitely up to ypu, but I but I believe the author has tried to be as historically accurate as possible.
November 11, 2017
Disappointed
Unlike in previous works, MJ Porter failed to keep me interested in this novel. I had high hopes when I started reading The First Queen of England, but soon found myself bored. Fortunately, the very last part of the book made it worth my time. This book had so much more potential. Disappointed.
Unlike in previous works, MJ Porter failed to keep me interested in this novel. I had high hopes when I started reading The First Queen of England, but soon found myself bored. Fortunately, the very last part of the book made it worth my time. This book had so much more potential. Disappointed.
February 24, 2021
Entertainment
She is up front that history of the King and 1st Queen are stretched from what history tell us. However she takes a one horse pony and makes it so believable. Didnt want to put it down.
She is up front that history of the King and 1st Queen are stretched from what history tell us. However she takes a one horse pony and makes it so believable. Didnt want to put it down.
April 12, 2021
Powerful
A beautifully narrative of a queen who was more like you and I than royalty but became everything that we all dream of
A beautifully narrative of a queen who was more like you and I than royalty but became everything that we all dream of
October 7, 2021
The First Queen of England has a promising concept as a well bred widow in the early days of England plots her way to becoming queen in spite of the king already being married.
I had hoped for a strong female character, an antihero perhaps that one could stand behind, not because she was a nice person but rather because she was clever. Alas, in an attempt to humanize the character, the author instead gives the reader a spoiled, horny noblewoman who never shows the intelligence or strength everyone claims she has. The king is no prize either as he is a man who set aside one wife and plans to set aside another along with his daughter so he can be with the woman he lusts after. The noblewoman refers to him repeatedly as the King which feels rather impersonal and belittles any real attraction she has for the person. She might be attracted to the man, but she is far more interested in the title. In the end, I suppose they both get what they deserve.
The story is one of lust and ends before the new queen ever has a chance to make any impact. This was one I had to keep setting aside and coming back to because it did not hold my interest.
The narrator does a good job with the audio book.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I had hoped for a strong female character, an antihero perhaps that one could stand behind, not because she was a nice person but rather because she was clever. Alas, in an attempt to humanize the character, the author instead gives the reader a spoiled, horny noblewoman who never shows the intelligence or strength everyone claims she has. The king is no prize either as he is a man who set aside one wife and plans to set aside another along with his daughter so he can be with the woman he lusts after. The noblewoman refers to him repeatedly as the King which feels rather impersonal and belittles any real attraction she has for the person. She might be attracted to the man, but she is far more interested in the title. In the end, I suppose they both get what they deserve.
The story is one of lust and ends before the new queen ever has a chance to make any impact. This was one I had to keep setting aside and coming back to because it did not hold my interest.
The narrator does a good job with the audio book.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 25, 2023
a historical romance from Queen’s POV
“I gaze upon the decaying body of my husband, seeing not the wreck before me but rather the ma. I came to love and desire, despite my best intentions no to.”
So begins a beguiling historical fiction romance about Lady Elfrida, about whom I knew nothing. Always that Mary Tudor was the first queen probably because that era was a,ways given so much attention. However, I enjoyed reading this story about Elfrida and written from her viewpoint. At first I thought there was too much emphasis on marriage and political advantages or disadvantages for her. But then I realized that was the way of the world for many centuries. Even today’s King Charles had to marry the “right girl” in 1981.
I liked that Elfrida knew her own mind. She knew what she wanted and just went for it. Luckily many of the influential women of the court were on her side to help make things happen. Not to mention the burning chemistry Elfrida had with King Edgar. I also didn’t expect the slight twist of events that made her stumble near the end.
But now with the different players in place, I’m excited to see what the future holds her the first queen of England.
“I gaze upon the decaying body of my husband, seeing not the wreck before me but rather the ma. I came to love and desire, despite my best intentions no to.”
So begins a beguiling historical fiction romance about Lady Elfrida, about whom I knew nothing. Always that Mary Tudor was the first queen probably because that era was a,ways given so much attention. However, I enjoyed reading this story about Elfrida and written from her viewpoint. At first I thought there was too much emphasis on marriage and political advantages or disadvantages for her. But then I realized that was the way of the world for many centuries. Even today’s King Charles had to marry the “right girl” in 1981.
I liked that Elfrida knew her own mind. She knew what she wanted and just went for it. Luckily many of the influential women of the court were on her side to help make things happen. Not to mention the burning chemistry Elfrida had with King Edgar. I also didn’t expect the slight twist of events that made her stumble near the end.
But now with the different players in place, I’m excited to see what the future holds her the first queen of England.
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