The Path to Somerset

The Seymour Saga #2

by Janet Ambrosi Wertman

After the tragic romance of Jane the Quene, this second book in The Seymour Saga trilogy takes a dark turn through an era in which King Henry VIII descends into cynicism, suspicion and fits of madness – and in which mistakes mean death.

Edward Seymour’s future is uncertain. Although his sister Jane bore Henry the son he’d sought for twenty years, when she died in childbirth, Henry’s good nature died with her. Now the fiercely ambitious Edward must carve a difficult path through Henry’s shifting principles and wives. Challenged at every turn by his nemesis, Bishop Stephen Gardiner, Edward must embrace ruthlessness in order to safeguard not only his own future but England’s as well.

This is the account of Henry’s tumultuous reign, as seen through the eyes of two opponents whose fierce disputes over religion and common decency fuel epic struggles for the soul of the nation. And for power.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Tudor Period, Fiction, Historical, British Literature

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2018

About the author

Janet Ambrosi Wertman grew up within walking distance of three bookstores and a library on Manhattan’s Upper West Side – and she visited all of them regularly. Her grandfather was an antiquarian bookdealer who taught her that there would always be a market for quirky, interesting books. He was the one who persuaded Janet’s parents to send her to the French school where she was taught to aspire to long (grammatically correct) sentences as the hallmark of a skillful writer. She lived that lesson until she got to Barnard College. Short sentences were the rule there. She complied. She reached a happy medium when she got to law school – complicated sentences alternating with short ones in a happy mix.

Janet spent fifteen years as a corporate lawyer in New York, she even got to do a little writing on the side (she co-authored The Executive Compensation Answer Book, which was published by Panel Publishers back in 1991). But when her first and second children were born, she decided to change her lifestyle. She and her husband transformed their lives in 1997, moving to Los Angeles and changing careers. Janet became a grantwriter (and will tell anyone who will listen that the grants she’s written have resulted in more than $38 million for the amazing non-profits she is proud to represent) and took up writing fiction.

There was never any question about the topic of the fiction: Janet has harbored a passion for the Tudor Kings and Queens since her parents let her stay up late to watch the televised Masterpiece Theatre series (both The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth R) when she was *cough* eight years old. One of the highlights of Janet’s youth was being allowed to visit the Pierpont Morgan Library on a day when it was closed to the public and examine books from Queen Elizabeth’s personal library and actual letters that the young Princess Elizabeth (technically Lady Elizabeth…) had written.

With the Seymour Saga complete, Janet is deep into writing the first book of her next trilogy, which takes up where the Seymours left off to illustrate the life of Elizabeth I. And because you can never have too much Tudors in your life, Janet also attends book club meetings and participates in panels and discussions through History Talks!, a group of historical novelists from Southern California hosted by libraries around the state.

Reviews

[Juliew. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually really sorry I had to start with the second book in this series.I definitely would have liked to begin with the first book in this intelligent,fact based series had I been able to come up with it.Nevertheless this was an account of Edward Seymour's life after the death of his sister Jane and also one of the more truthful historical fictions I have read about the Seymour family.I really agreed with the author's portrayal of Edward and the in order timeline of the story.I thought it was a fun opportunity to view the Tudor court not only through Edward's point of view but also as an added bonus Gardiner's as well.The author did a lovely job researching this and also she manages to capture the court factions,fear and manipulations that were very much a part of Henry's VIII's court.Looking forward to reading her first book.

[Janet Wertman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes, this is my own book that I just awarded five stars. But this is the only way to get the book to show up on my bookshelf, and then to see when other new people review it. Besides, we're coming up on its Book Birthday and I wanted to show it some love!

[Linda Root · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed the first novel in Janet Wertman’s Seymour Saga, Jane the Quene, for the Review blog in 2017 and was impressed by its unique view of Henry VIII’s third queen, yet one rendered with a high degree of historical accuracy. Most books written about Jane Seymour, be they fiction or history, tend to be more about Anne Boleyn than the woman who replaced her. History has labeled Anne as an exciting woman in an era populated by colorful personalities, while even Jane’s contemporaries referred to her as ‘the king’s mouse.’ Thus, I was surprised to find Wertman’s Jane far less dull than the queen of my imagination. There was no question I would read the next installment of the sage. When I was in high school, I saw the film Young Bess, which launched me on a lifetime avocation of Tudor-Stuart scholarship. I had intended to download the second segment as soon as it was published, but fortunately won a paperback copy in a random drawing.
The Path to Somerset traces the rise of the dead queen’s brother Edward beginning three years after the death of his sister of puerperal fever after giving the king the prince he so desired. The segment ends when Henry Tudor himself dies and Somerset’s prepubescent nephew becomes King of England. It is beautifully told by a large caste of characters both friendly and hostile to the Reformist Seymours. The first pages set the stage for controversies not entirely religious in nature: while it was dangerous, even deadly, to be too progressive in one’s religious views, being a low born man who had risen too high was every bit as perilous. The conservative Catholic remnant of the clergy and the blue-blooded principal peers had no love for the Wolseys and the Cromwells who had crowded the king’s inner circle and sometimes surpassed them in Henry’s favor. Being the uncle of the heir apparent did not make the Seymour brothers Edward and Thomas welcome. While they were not of common stock like Wolsey, the son of a butcher, or that of a blacksmith like Tom Cromwell, Seymour’s father was a mere knight and no match for the likes of the Duke Norfolk and the rest of the Howards. Ms. Wertman frames the obstacles facing Seymour by treating us to the conspiracies and dialogs between a colorful cast of characters few of whom placed faith or honor above personal gain. She avoids the pitfall of swallowing all contemporary sources whole and relies on her own ingenuity and resources. Most readers will appreciate her blend of contemporary style with historical accuracy and expertise. For example, her word portrait of Edward’s wife Anne Stanhope is much more sympathetic than the norm. While the story ends in a satisfactory fashion, through Seymour’s nemesis Bishop Gardner’s thoughts, we are reminded we are visiting an age where one day’s victor is the next day’s vanquished. Thus, readers leave the final pages of volume two knowing there is more to come. I, for one, am impatient.
I confess to being an author of historical fiction and a frequent reviewer of offerings from that genre. Authors are often ego-driven characters who can be harsh critics. I thus admit to being a tad jealous of what is close to a perfect work of historical fiction. I highly recommend this book. I do not recall having read as fine a historical novel in a long, long time.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward Seymour, the brother of Thomas and Jane Seymour, as well as the uncle of Edward VI. Many people remember him for his role as Lord Protector to his nephew as well as his role in the execution of his brother Thomas. That, however, is only a small snapshot into the life of an interesting man. His life after his sister Jane died and before he became the 1st Duke of Somerset was one of twists and turns. Nothing was safe for the brother of Henry VIII’s most beloved wife, especially when it came to dealing with his enemy at court, Bishop Stephen Gardiner. This is the time period that Janet Wertman has decided to explore in her latest book, “The Path to Somerset”, the second book in her Seymour saga (The first book of the Seymour saga is called “Jane the Quene”).

I would like to thank Janet Wertman for sending me an advance review copy of “The Path to Somerset”. This is my first time reading a Janet Wertman book and I must say that it was a joy to read. I am familiar with some aspects of the Seymour family, like Jane and Thomas, but Edward Seymour is one of those people who I have wanted to read more about for quite a while. From the books that I have read, Edward seemed like a cruel person when it came to his brother. That is not how he is portrayed in this book. In fact, Edward Seymour is a loving and caring husband who only wants to do what he believes is best for his King, Henry VIII. He tries to navigate the ever changing political scene, the religious dilemma, as well as Henry’s three wives, all while trying to stay alive.

His family and friends were always there to support him, especially his beloved wife Anne Stanhope and his brother Thomas, or “Tom” in this book. Anne has always been one of those women from this period that I never really liked, but in this book, she is very likable. Henry VIII himself is a sick man, full of pain and regrets of his past. He is a loving family man who misses Jane terribly and tries to fill the void in his heart while trying to keep control of his country. Bishop Stephen Gardiner tries to pursue a way to get on the King’s good side using some very underhanded methods.

Janet Wertman is able to bring to life this tumultuous rivalry between Gardiner and Seymour in such a way that you can understand both sides. Two men fighting for the control of King Henry VIII, and later King Edward VI, but only one man can come out on top. This book was a fantastic read. It was very engaging and intriguing. It gave me a different perspective on Edward Seymour and the people who surrounded him during this time. Janet Wertman does a fantastic job navigating this complex political landscape to show Edward Seymour in a new light. This may be my first time reading a book by Janet Wertman, but this will not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and I look forward to reading more books by her. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the Seymour family or the last years of Henry VIII’s life.

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

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The Path to Somerset is a compelling continuation of treachery, trouble, and tension of the Tudor Era.

The story turned out to be much darker than the previous book. The main thing that stood out is the power play between Edward/Cromwell and Norfolk/Gardiner. The prior want to reform the religious practices while the latter wants to conserve it.

Edward is magnetic in the role as he tries to get Henry to take his side over Norfolk. Also, I loved Edward’s conversations with Anne and thought both of them made a sweet pair. Similarly, Gardiner is despicable in the role and would manipulate the King’s wives to get what he wants. Catherine was also a conniving Queen, and I am curious to research more of her. Moreover, I loved the whole storyline of Catherine and her accusations.

There is never a dull moment in the story. The author paced the plot so well that I kept turning the pages to find out what happened. I liked how she describes the Tudor Era (one which I am not familiar with). The War with the French was also fascinating. Furthermore, there are also some shocking deaths of primary characters that I did not expect.

However, I missed Jane terribly. While the story engrossed me with the rivalry between Edward and Gardiner (and Norfolk), I missed the romance, which was prominent in the first book. Moreover, I felt Henry was a shell of his role from the previous book due to the same reason.

Apart from that, this was a gripping continuation that beautifully sets the path for the next book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

The author knows this period well, and she keeps to historical facts as she crafts the facts into a riveting piece of historical fiction.

[Karen Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read It

I can sum it up in just two words: read it. It's lengthy, but worth it (though I do cede some sections are more accurately called "page turners" than others).

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Janet Wertman has given us a different view of Edward Seymour than I had in my head—and with good reason. This book covers the younger Edward while he was still developing into the hardened self-serving Lord Protector we come to distrust in his later years. At first, Edward seems blameless in the midst of the terrible infighting that permeated Henry VIII’s court. Apparently everybody was motivated by the best way to take down his enemy: Bishop Gardiner against Archbishop Cranmer, Gardiner against Queen Katherine Parr, the Duke of Norfolk against Cromwell—and just about everybody else. But in an effort to stay afloat, Edward Seymour chooses sides—naturally with protestant-leaning courtiers. As King Henry grows more tempestuous, unpredictable and finally downright vicious, Edward sees that catering to the ailing king’s every whim is the only way he can stay out of trouble. And soon, it becomes second nature to him. He matches the king’s expressions; he flatters Henry, never disagrees with him, and when trouble threatens he brings up his dead sister Jane to remind the king of happier days. Before long his survival instinct morphs into self-interest and by the end of Henry’s life, he has mastered the art of manipulation for gain.

I wonder if King Henry was as easily manipulated as the book suggests; perhaps by this time he was in so much pain his reason had deserted him. As depicted, everyone balanced on a knife’s edge; one wrong word and off with their head! I don’t know; it seemed almost a caricature of Henry’s court, but since we weren’t there we can only speculate. I admit that I was taken aback when during one scene King Henry was lowered onto his horse with a winch. Ouch! That never happened except in Laurence Olivier’s HENRY V (Yes, I looked it up to be sure: you can do a search on the Met Museum website for “Arms and Armor—Common Misconceptions”). Aside from that, I found the book quite readable and I enjoyed it.

[Dayanara Ryelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to keep this short and sweet:

The only thing equal to finding out you're related to the monarchy is reading a good book about your family. <3

=14 Sep 22=
I'm surprised I didn't notice this historical error before, as much fiction as I read from this era.

The book mentions that Thomas Wolsey built York Place, Henry VIII coveted it and Wolsey gave it to him as a gift, whereupon it was renamed Whitehall.

While it's true that York was renamed Whitehall after Henry took control of it, it was Hampton Court that Wolsey built and handed over. York was the previous seat of the House of York, and dates back to approximately 1240.

[Rebecca Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Path to Somerset is the second book in the Seymour saga by Janet Wertman – her first book was on Jane Seymour, called Jane the Quene. This book covers the career of Edward Seymour starting in March 1539. Queen Jane has been dead for a year and a half and the Henry VIII is considering a foreign bride.

Wertman was very generous and sent me an advance review copy. Here is a blurb about the book from Wertman’s website (janetwertman.com):

After the tragic romance of Jane the Quene, the second book in The Seymour Saga trilogy, The Path to Somerset, takes a dark turn through an era in which King Henry VIII descends into cynicism, suspicion and fits of madness – and in which mistakes mean death.

Edward’s future is uncertain. Although his sister Jane bore Henry the son he’d sought for twenty years, when she died in childbirth, Henry’s good nature died with her. Now the fiercely ambitious Edward must carve a difficult path through Henry’s shifting principles and wives. Challenged at every turn by his nemesis, Bishop Stephen Gardiner, Edward must embrace ruthlessness in order to safeguard not only his own future but England’s as well.

This is the account of Henry’s tumultuous reign, as seen through the eyes of two opponents whose fierce disagreements over religion and common decency fuel epic struggles for the soul of the nation. And for power.

My Review
As I stated previously I was concerned that I was going to have issues with Wertman’s portrayal of Edward. It was to my surprise that I grew to love his “character” as well as his chosen path in life.

Edward Seymour’s first marriage left him a damaged man – he felt betrayed by his wife and his father for having an affair – as anyone would be. Edward apparently made amends with his father but never forgave his first wife, Katherine Fillol. It’s when he met Anne Stanhope that the pieces began to come together for Edward.

I might sound like a hypocrite but Wertman even made me like Anne Stanhope – a woman whom I have dubbed as a “wicked woman” many times in the past few years. I always saw Stanhope as more ambitious and vindictive than her husband. It’s in Wertman’s superb storytelling that I looked at the couple in a completely different light – they were a team, and in Tudor England it was important to have strong allies. Were they ambitious? Sure. But they were also the aunt and uncle of the future King of England and it was in their best interest to secure their future.

In The Path to Somerset, Anne plays the uber supportive wife who always has the right advice for her husband. Often Edward recalls the advice given by Anne and admits that she was right. So refreshing to read that in a book about this time period.

Edward Seymour, was human – he had emotions and opinions like any of us but his “boss” was the tyrannical King Henry VIII. He had a job to do and was loyal to his King. Having an opinion that differed from or displeased the King could cause you to quickly lose favor or worse, your head. He also understood how, as brother to Jane (Henry’s beloved third wife), he could use that card to get the King to see his way.

The way this story is told truly makes history come to life. Page after page you get the sense that you are back in Tudor England when things began to really change with Henry VIII – when he lost his temper quickly and had no problem signing a death warrant if the men around him convinced him to do so. He could be smiling one minute and yelling the next. Henry was in constant pain from the ulcers in his legs and the stench that surrounded him somehow became unbearable. Imagine walking into a room with the worst smell every punching you in the face. If the King saw you make a face regarding the small you could lose everything.

The Duke of Norfolk and Gardiner are definitely the antagonists in this book. There were times when I wanted to reach inside the book and strangle both men because of their scheming to advance themselves and the Catholics. In the end they both got what was coming to them.

Wertman mentions in her “Author Note” after the story that she tried to stay as true as possible to the history and she did a wonderful job doing so – the dialogue could very well have been what these men (and sometimes women) said to one another and it made the story flow.

I highly recommend ordering this book! The The Path to Somerset covers a very important part of Tudor history and you will not be disappointed.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that THE PATH TO SOMERSET (The Seymour Saga #2) by Janet Ambrosi Wertman is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Nikkolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I absolutely love this book. It was written so that you absolutely feel like you were in the room watching these events take place. Also I found myself not hating Edward Seymour! Cannot wait to read the third in the trilogy.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flipping back and forth between the POV's of Edward Seymour and Bishop Gardenier, we see the Protestant and Catholic factions of the later years of Henry VIII's court fight like dogs for every scrap of power, while Henry leans back and occasionally prods them, manipulating both sides into fighting each other for his own amusement - and also because, he might be crazy and violent, but he's not stupid - two groups fighting each other means they aren't teaming up to take on the despot together.

Fascinating look at Henry's later reign from an often overlooked angle.

[Susan Abernethy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Link to my review of this book:

https://flhwnotesandreviews.com/2018/...

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Well, considering that this is a historical novel and I therefore know how it ends for the main characters, this was one of the most nerve-wracking books I have ever read! How everyone in Henry’s reign didn’t suffer from perpetual stomach ulcers and nervous tics, I have no idea!

The story follows the opposing characters of Edward Seymour, brother to Jane of Jane the Quene, and clergyman Stephen Gardiner as they play the world’s most dangerous game of tug’o’war, with Henry VIII as the rope. Seymour is on the side of religious Reformation and Cromwell, whereas Gardiner supports religious conservatism and Norfolk, and the two men machinate and manipulate in an effort to sway Henry to their way of thinking.

While Henry focuses on churning through his remaining wives like a starving man at the dessert trolley (and with similar choleric results), Seymour and Gardiner tapdance on the increasingly thin ice of his affections; which are increasingly at the whim of his infected leg and manic paranoia. I read the entire book on tenterhooks, biting my nails, and fervently thankful that I don’t live in a time where a careless word or dicky leg could see me horribly executed on the flimsiest of pretexts.

I found I missed Jane’s steady, optimistic influence as much as poor Henry clearly did (and wouldn’t he hate that pity as his legacy!). Whilst Edward was a far more sympathetic character than the obnoxious Gardiner, I found it hard to forget his dry-stick attitude towards Jane in the previous book, and therefore was not particularly disposed in favour of either man – which I was quite thankful for, as deeper emotional involvement would certainly have given me a nervous ulcer!

Janet Wertman has, once again, taken a fascinating, tumultuous, but well-trod segment of UK history and has brought it into a new perspective. She has captured the feeling of walking on eggshells under the accusing eyes of an unstable monarch so effectively that I lived in fear myself throughout the read, and it really made me feel sympathetic towards those who lived this – noble and ‘common’.

Those looking for a historical rollercoaster through Henry VIII’s wives four to six will enjoy this two-sided story. If you want wives one to three too, then buy Jane the Quene first: it is a gentler ride, alongside a far happier ruler. Poor Henry!



“Were you there for Norfolk’s tantrum?” Sadler asked.
“Norfolk had a tantrum?” Anne broke in, surprised.
Norfolk had taken advantage of Cromwell’s absence to create a committee in the House of Lords to settle religious issues in the land. Two days ago he had upbraided his committee in front of the King for not agreeing on anything. Of course, the lack of consensus stemmed from fear of contradicting the King, but the stunt had driven the monarch back to conservative principles.
“It was all planned,” Edward said. “It had to have been. He proposed they boil everything down to six doctrinal issues.”

– Janet Wertman, The Path to Somerset


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. This book is an interesting account of the days following the execution of Thomas Cromwell, who was chief advisor to England's King Henry VIII during the reigns of Queens Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour. Cromwell's demise was largely due to the scheming of the powerful and rich Duke of Norfolk, whose chief missions in life were: a) put one of his relatives on the throne, and eventually gain the throne for himself and his heirs, and b) return England to what he viewed as the "true church" (i.e., Catholicism). On the other side of the issue was Edward Seymour, reformist brother to the deceased Queen Jane Seymour, and uncle to Prince Edward the heir-apparent. As Henry often proclaimed, Jane was his 'one true love,' so he had a soft spot for Edward and the Seymours that allowed Edward to remain close to him and wield considerable influence. However, as we meet Seymour he is somewhat conciliatory and reluctant to make waves for fear of angering the King. But as time goes on and the threat from Norfolk grows, Seymour gradually begins to recognize and assert his influence with the King, becoming the recognized head of the reformists at court. His efforts culminate in the imprisonment of Norfolk, the banishment of Norfolk's ally Bishop Gardiner, and Seymour's 'promotion' to Duke of Somerset.

This period of Tudor history, and the activities of the Seymours after their sister's death, are less well well-known than the earlier days of Henry VIII. I found it interesting to move on to the post-Cromwell era. As an avid anglophile I knew the Cromwell saga quite well from reading Hilary Mantel's trilogy. Many of the characters are the same but their activities and allegiances after Cromwell's execution were new to me. The story is told from the viewpoint of Edward Seymour, but to add counterpoint, the author also elaborates on the views of Bishop Gardiner who was intent on returning England to Catholicism. Since the book is about Seymour, he and his reformers are painted as the 'shining knights' and royal protectors, while Norfolk and Gardiner are painted as evil pretenders. One has to keep reminding oneself that surely neither camp was as good or evil as the story makes out, but it does make for good reading. The book is definitely a technicolor study in statesmanship and dirty tricks. However, I did find the minute details trying at times. Furthermore, had one not known the key players in the story ahead of time, the number and motivations of all the characters could easily be confusing. On the other hand, I think the story would have resonated more with me, had I not known a considerable amount about many of the key players and their motives already.

Nevertheless, this was an interesting read and provided valuable insight into how Henry's reign and the fight to keep his territory unfolded after the deaths of Queen Jane and Thomas Cromwell.

[Guusje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Path to Somerset in the sequel to Jane the Queene. I knew a bit about the Duke, her older brother but didn't not realize how progressive he was. He was against the enclosure for farmland for sheep farming which was plunging many of the peasants into starvation. He was also a fervent supporter of church reform. I did skim some of the political bits since I'm more interested in social than political history. This book is an excellent bridge that covers the end of Henry VIII reign and the beginning of
the short reign of his son Edward. While it can stand alone, I recommend reading the first book before opening this one.
Very much recommended for anyone with an interest in Tudor History.

[Scott Coon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful tale rooted in real history. The writing is beautiful, bringing us into the time and world of Henry VIII. As someone without knowledge of these events, the story drew me. Edward Seymours is a deep and interesting character. As he and the other political players maneuvered to determine the religious future of England, I was constantly wondering who would survive. And along the way, I learned some odd tidbits of history. I looked them up; they're true.

[Peter Lineham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb writing, dramatic portryal of the later years of Henry VIII through the eyes (mostly) of Edward Seymour). It might have been a goo didea to read the first in the series before I began this one, but I have now gone straight on to vol 3 in the series. My one reservation is that the point of view felt a little awkward at points since the slow corruption of Seymour through his lust for power (if that was what it was) seemed just a ltitle less clear than I might have expected.

[BookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enrolled this more than the first, the wiring seemed tighter and the intrigue definitely got more interesting and dangerous. The constant jockeying for power still resonates today albeit minus the beheadings. Henry VIII grows more erratic but ultimately he does pass on the team to his son. Janet Wertman does a wonderful job here untangling this nest is hornets.

[Katherine Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of Henry VIII and his later wives from a completely different perspective. This book is well written and engaging. Somehow Ms. Wertman has managed to achieve a sense of suspense over plot points the reader already knows the outcome to. Great take on what the people around the King had to do to keep their heads. Well done!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything other reviewers have said - and more. I loved the first of the series and was unsure that this tempestuous period would hold me quite as well. It did! Now I am ready for the final book and look forward to more hours of top class storytelling. All I can add is- BUY ALL THREE: you won’t be disappointed

[Donna Pingry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Characters are interesting. This is a work of fiction, simply put. I would not have recognized the Edward and Anne Seymour from non-fiction works. The author cleans them up very well.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 3.5 stars. I did have a few minor quibbles with some of the details, but nothing major. The Duke of Somerset (and his wife Anne) has a rather disagreeable reputation and this a good attempt at humanizing some of his thoughts and motives.

[Catherine Adair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

Just finished the 1st and 2nd of the trilogy and looking forward to the 3rd. Have read a varied selection of books on the tudors, consider this a good read.

[Amanda Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 very good.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of 3, great series from an excellent perspective. Not to be missed if you like the era.

[CL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not as good as the first