Katherine Parr

by Jean Evans

A historical novel. Twice married and twice widowed, Katherine Parr had little taste for another marriage -- although she was in love with the handsome and brilliant Thomas Symour, whom she held entranced by her quick mind and quiet determination. King Henry had known of Katherine for some time, but it wasn't until he suddenly found himself in her comany again that he decided she would make him an excellent and attentive wife. Now that he was in his later years, she was too dignified to prove fatal to him. And so he announced his intention to make her his 6th wife -- much to Katherine's amazement -- and to Thomas Seymour's, who was by now, her fiancé...

Genres: Historical, History

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Susan]

Completing my set of these novels!

[Lizofathousandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not 100% sure how I feel about this book, it was not a terrible book. But I am not too long in time from reading it, and to be completely honest. I barely remember the book at all, which is a shame. When I went to search for it, so I could reflect again on what I had read. . . the book mysteriously disappeared. I can not seem to find it. I spent a good hour trying to find it. I decided that I would search for her again once I do not feel the need to find her now.

What I remember: that Katherine was a new widow, and she just so happens to spy Thomas Seymour. He thinks she's a catch. She is unsure if she wishes to marry again. He falls in love, proposes. She does not know for certain if that is what she wants, but deep down she does. Thomas then goes to his brother in law which just so happens to be Henry VIII. Henry is butthurt that Katherine Howard did not work out, and laments his status of "never finding a lasting wife". Thomas makes the very stupid mistake of mentioning his inclination to marry and brags about Katherine Parr. His bragging leads to Henry meeting with Katherine and him "falling in love" with her. He asks her to marry him. She doesn't want to marry Henry and regrets not marrying Thomas right away. She knows she does not have a choice and marries Henry. Then it goes through their marriage and her being a very strong protestant and her desire to debate with Henry. It mentions the plot to take Katherine down, her "rescuing" herself from a death warrant. It does not mention her pregnancy, barely mentions Elizabeth or Jane Grey.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well done (and only slightly) fictionalized account of the tension and terror of Katherine Parr's marriage to Henry VIII. It plays a bit fast and loose with some facts, but it all works in terms of serving the overall theme and plot.

[Mavis Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the 3 I've read in this series, this was by far the best, by a different author to the other 2.