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Medieval Babes: Tales of Little-Known Ladies #5
The Princess Nun: Mary, Daughter of Edward I
Sent into a convent at the age of six, Mary daughter of Edward I, decides to make the best of a bad situation. It soon becomes obvious she is never going to make a good nun! Never forgetting that she is a princess by birth, the feisty gambler travels around England, living the high life at daddy's expense, and acquiring numerous other bad "habits" ... including being linked romantically to the Earl of Surrey, John de Warenne. When her Father the King becomes ill and dies, the crown goes to Mary's brother Edward II and the travelling nun attends his disastrous Coronation, rubbing shoulders with the hated Piers Gaveston. For the first time, she is uneasy about the future. Leaving her wayward life behind, she retires to spending a quiet life in Amesbury Priory where she decides to have a chronicle written on the life of her family - a book that exists today.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2019
243 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Reedman
102 books164 followersBorn in Canada, J.P. Reedman has been a UK resident for over 30 years. She has been writing since the age of 5, and preferred genres are fantasy and historical (or a mixture of both.) Interests are British history and prehistory, especially the neolithic and bronze ages, archaeology, anthropology and features of the countryside. She is author of the STONEHENGE SAGA a novel that places the legends of King Arthur back into the bronze age, and a number of works about King Richard III, including the epic, I RICHARD PLANTAGENET, which, with both parts combined, is over 250,000 words long and written from Richard's first person perspective. She is also the author of the bestselling medieval novel, MY FAIR LADY, about the little known Queen, Eleanor of Provence which is first in an ongoing series about lesser-known medieval noblewoman. 13 SO FAR!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 22, 2024
This is the story of Mary one of the many daughters of Edward I, for a religious promise her parents sent her to a nunnery when she is a mere child, in the beginning she is sad to leave her dolls, and her family, but very quickly she realizes that her life won't be that bad, she won't have to marry and old and ugly man, she won't be treated bad by a husband, she won't be send to another country, and she doesn't even want to be a mother, to be honest wasn't very plausible to have a 6 years old girl thinking so rational and the novel in general but ok , in the nunnery she will have her grandmother with her, and a peaceful life, but she is not made for a nunnery, she has a wild personality and not a religious soul, but thankfully her father the king decides that she will keep her benefits as the princess she is and gives her money, maids, jewels, pretty dresses, and she is able to go to court often where she often is gambling, drinking and enjoying, she even has her father paging her huge, debts, apart from that we read the events that take place in her family, marriages, births etc, some small scandals and other things related to her siblings and father, nothing very personal happens in Mary life she is basically narrating what happens in her family, her life as a nun isn't portrait here, and the reign of her brother Edward II isn't portrayed, was entertainig to read about someone so different and so unique but honestly this shows just lapses, nothing is not about Mary as a person so there is nothing here just politics and simple things. There is only two times when we read about her as a person and not as a narrator and is when her mom dies and when she is attracted to a man, I was waiting to read about it, Did she truly had an affair with her niece's husband ? He told that after Mary passed away, and he tried to use that to get the divorce from Mary's niece what he never gotten, some historians believes that is true others not, I think that they were close to each other or somehow had a relationship otherwise I don't see why would he said that, I mean he should have said something that people would believe, so he needed some basis, but well here nothing happens he tried to seduce her but she doesn't fall, that was a bit disappointed but nothing more.
Was entertaining? Yes
Was complex and plausible? No
Was Mary the true star in her story ? Not really
And by the way there is almost not dialogue the book tells, not shows so I'm giving 3.5 stars.
Was entertaining? Yes
Was complex and plausible? No
Was Mary the true star in her story ? Not really
And by the way there is almost not dialogue the book tells, not shows so I'm giving 3.5 stars.
March 24, 2023
Daughters of kings often got short shrift, and apparently the daughters of Edward I were no exception. Most of them were saddled with unwelcome husbands, and they just had to make the best of it. Who was going to argue with a father like that? Our protagonist Mary was the unluckiest of all (or maybe not). At the tender age of six she was given to the Church, and went into the convent like the obedient daughter she was, although she no calling. But watching the unhappy lives of her sisters, she realized she had been spared much grief:
“Oh Mary, I am so wretched,” Joanie said. “I never thought Father would behave so!”
My eyebrows rose. “Didn’t you? You should know him better than that, Joan.”
She wiped her red eyes with a kerchief. “I did as I was bid when I was a girl and married Gilbert. I was a dutiful wife till the day he died. In my widowhood, I thought Father would finally let me follow my heart.”
“He wanted you for another alliance, I believe. Amadeus.”
Her chin tilted up fiercely. “He had no right to assume. I was a widow, and as thus, not compelled to remarry. So it said in the Great Charter of our great grandfather, King John.”
Due to her rank, it was a bit more complicated than Joanie made out, but book-learning was never her delight. Marriage she might possibly refuse as a widow, but wedding without the King’s permission was something else again.
Because of her own rank, Mary was often permitted to leave the convent and visit her family, as well as make pilgrimages to other priories. The king would summon her to formal events. She surrounded herself with a little entourage, traveled in a chariot, and even occasionally dressed in finery befitting a princess (when away from the priory). So it seems she didn’t live the life of a traditional nun. Throughout, we get to witness the domestic events of Edward I’s reign, as well as the disastrous start of Edward II’s rule. The story moved along smoothly and was interesting reading.
“Oh Mary, I am so wretched,” Joanie said. “I never thought Father would behave so!”
My eyebrows rose. “Didn’t you? You should know him better than that, Joan.”
She wiped her red eyes with a kerchief. “I did as I was bid when I was a girl and married Gilbert. I was a dutiful wife till the day he died. In my widowhood, I thought Father would finally let me follow my heart.”
“He wanted you for another alliance, I believe. Amadeus.”
Her chin tilted up fiercely. “He had no right to assume. I was a widow, and as thus, not compelled to remarry. So it said in the Great Charter of our great grandfather, King John.”
Due to her rank, it was a bit more complicated than Joanie made out, but book-learning was never her delight. Marriage she might possibly refuse as a widow, but wedding without the King’s permission was something else again.
Because of her own rank, Mary was often permitted to leave the convent and visit her family, as well as make pilgrimages to other priories. The king would summon her to formal events. She surrounded herself with a little entourage, traveled in a chariot, and even occasionally dressed in finery befitting a princess (when away from the priory). So it seems she didn’t live the life of a traditional nun. Throughout, we get to witness the domestic events of Edward I’s reign, as well as the disastrous start of Edward II’s rule. The story moved along smoothly and was interesting reading.
September 23, 2019
Mary of Woodstock, Daughter of Edward I, came to live at Amesbury Priory Wiltshire to accompany her grandmother Eleanor of Provence in her retirement. Amesbury was a daughter house of Fontevrault but Mary never went there, at her father's wish and her own, that she stay in England.
Her mother Eleanor of Castile did not want her to be veiled as a nun and her parents gave her a liberal allowance. She eventually became a viceregent and visitatrix for the Abbess. When her cousin Eleanor of Brittany became Abbess, after a papal bull in 1303, her travels were curtailed but later reinstated.
Princess Mary, as she was called, continued her lifestyle under after her brother's imprisonment with rumors of and affair and a love of gambling. At that point she decided to retire and live a quiet life at Amesbury but always felt she had the "better life" than her siblings. I will read another in this series.
4 stars and Enjoyable.
Her mother Eleanor of Castile did not want her to be veiled as a nun and her parents gave her a liberal allowance. She eventually became a viceregent and visitatrix for the Abbess. When her cousin Eleanor of Brittany became Abbess, after a papal bull in 1303, her travels were curtailed but later reinstated.
Princess Mary, as she was called, continued her lifestyle under after her brother's imprisonment with rumors of and affair and a love of gambling. At that point she decided to retire and live a quiet life at Amesbury but always felt she had the "better life" than her siblings. I will read another in this series.
4 stars and Enjoyable.
July 25, 2019
Enjoyable Read About Edward I’s Daughter, Mary
I did enjoy the subject matter: the little-known daughter of Edward I, who was given to the church at a young age. It’s always great to read about a previously unknown, to me, historical character. Though her temperament did not lean toward the religious life, she seems to have ended up with the more interesting - and safer - life than her other sisters!
This book, however, is badly in need of a good proofread. All the typos really detract from the story. While this is not uncommon in Prime books, this was a particularly shoddy job. As it’s not a long read, I found this particularly irksome. But if you like to read about the Plantagenets, and enjoy discovering little-known historical figures, it’s an interesting book, and one that holds your interest.
If it were not for all the typos, I would give this book 3.5 stars as the story is above average. I look forward to exploring some of the author’s other books in this series.
I did enjoy the subject matter: the little-known daughter of Edward I, who was given to the church at a young age. It’s always great to read about a previously unknown, to me, historical character. Though her temperament did not lean toward the religious life, she seems to have ended up with the more interesting - and safer - life than her other sisters!
This book, however, is badly in need of a good proofread. All the typos really detract from the story. While this is not uncommon in Prime books, this was a particularly shoddy job. As it’s not a long read, I found this particularly irksome. But if you like to read about the Plantagenets, and enjoy discovering little-known historical figures, it’s an interesting book, and one that holds your interest.
If it were not for all the typos, I would give this book 3.5 stars as the story is above average. I look forward to exploring some of the author’s other books in this series.
December 30, 2019
Another great book by JP Reedman! This one about a daughter of Edward I named Mary -whom I'd barely heard of! She managed to lead a very interesting life despite being a nun for most of it. AT least, she was witness to some very interesting historical events.
I think the best parts of the book were her early childhood with her grandmother, Eleanor of Provence, and the scene where she helps her sister reconcile with their father after she marries in secret.
I think this book was a bit hard on Edward II, but at least it didn't completely give Isabella of France a pass. The book sort of zoomed to he end after Edward II became king, anyway (this Mary lives a long time!).
I also think this book did a good job giving some humanity to Edward I. Like, he's still as harsh and cruel as he legitimately was, but he's not Braveheart-level stone cold.
All in all, a great addition to JP's Medieval ladies series!
I think the best parts of the book were her early childhood with her grandmother, Eleanor of Provence, and the scene where she helps her sister reconcile with their father after she marries in secret.
I think this book was a bit hard on Edward II, but at least it didn't completely give Isabella of France a pass. The book sort of zoomed to he end after Edward II became king, anyway (this Mary lives a long time!).
I also think this book did a good job giving some humanity to Edward I. Like, he's still as harsh and cruel as he legitimately was, but he's not Braveheart-level stone cold.
All in all, a great addition to JP's Medieval ladies series!
December 11, 2023
Not so "light"
If this is a lighter version of events, it must make a very heavy tome. To be sent to a nunnery at such a young age cannot bode well for any female. Granted she became acclimated to her existence; I don't believe I would ever be content. Granted with the father she had, she was a lot safer than being exposed at court. Actually I kept expecting her siblings to be exiled at the king's whim. Yet, being married to further his rule and constant juggling to gather loyalty to his reign left no father-child relationship other than cowering for fear of what may happen. The queen having her children estranged by the will of her husband had to be brutal; that is if they lived beyond infancy nor guarantee to live to adulthood. To know that children she carried to delivery were nothing more than pawns had to be devastating.
If this is a lighter version of events, it must make a very heavy tome. To be sent to a nunnery at such a young age cannot bode well for any female. Granted she became acclimated to her existence; I don't believe I would ever be content. Granted with the father she had, she was a lot safer than being exposed at court. Actually I kept expecting her siblings to be exiled at the king's whim. Yet, being married to further his rule and constant juggling to gather loyalty to his reign left no father-child relationship other than cowering for fear of what may happen. The queen having her children estranged by the will of her husband had to be brutal; that is if they lived beyond infancy nor guarantee to live to adulthood. To know that children she carried to delivery were nothing more than pawns had to be devastating.
June 26, 2019
Engrossing, read at one sitting
Brings Edward I complex familial relationships to life, esp the competing needs of power elites and monarchies to build economic & political cohesion by marital alliances.
This is not a romanticized medieval piece of fluff, nor a testosterone filled warrior tale of plots and gruesome battles. The POV, told in first person, is one of the sisters, who was dedicated to the church at a young age.
All told, very appealing choice of main character & refreshingly accurate in historical detail. Good writer. Suitable for ages 12 through adults ⭐️
Brings Edward I complex familial relationships to life, esp the competing needs of power elites and monarchies to build economic & political cohesion by marital alliances.
This is not a romanticized medieval piece of fluff, nor a testosterone filled warrior tale of plots and gruesome battles. The POV, told in first person, is one of the sisters, who was dedicated to the church at a young age.
All told, very appealing choice of main character & refreshingly accurate in historical detail. Good writer. Suitable for ages 12 through adults ⭐️
November 29, 2019
A very good light read
I learned a lot about Princess Mary. J.P. Redman tells a clear tale. One can actually believe they are with Mary through her life journey. I feel for her, at the tender age of six years old she is sent to become a nun. I often read about our past Kings and Queens. But to read about a 4th princess who is to become a nun because of her father's win is something else. I can't wait to read another Reedman book.
I learned a lot about Princess Mary. J.P. Redman tells a clear tale. One can actually believe they are with Mary through her life journey. I feel for her, at the tender age of six years old she is sent to become a nun. I often read about our past Kings and Queens. But to read about a 4th princess who is to become a nun because of her father's win is something else. I can't wait to read another Reedman book.
October 18, 2019
A great read
I enjoy reading historical come slight fiction, this is one of the best, For once it was not written from a sexual view not that I object to that subject but it can distract from the history events..
I have never read this author 's work before and Iook forward to more of her books.
I enjoy reading historical come slight fiction, this is one of the best, For once it was not written from a sexual view not that I object to that subject but it can distract from the history events..
I have never read this author 's work before and Iook forward to more of her books.
June 14, 2021
It was nice to read about an unknown princess, from the age of 6 she was sent to a nunnery and has not known any other way of life. Her father, Edward I, Longshanks, son of Henry III, was very proud of his daughter Mary and absolutely adored his first wife.
Edward was a bit of a tyrant but still loved his family.
Edward was a bit of a tyrant but still loved his family.
May 22, 2022
3.5 stars.
This is an interesting story about Mary. one of the daughters of Edward 1 of England, known as Longshanks. Mary was put into a convent at the age of 6 to keep her aged grandmother company.
The writing is simple and it is an easy reading historical novel. It’s a bit repetitious in parts but worth reading.
This is an interesting story about Mary. one of the daughters of Edward 1 of England, known as Longshanks. Mary was put into a convent at the age of 6 to keep her aged grandmother company.
The writing is simple and it is an easy reading historical novel. It’s a bit repetitious in parts but worth reading.
September 1, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed the book and the characters. The narrative by Mary was well done. The story stayed true to History. Thank you for a good read. I love history and this was not dull, but informativs
I enjoyed the book and the characters. The narrative by Mary was well done. The story stayed true to History. Thank you for a good read. I love history and this was not dull, but informativs
October 7, 2019
Fascinating
Second book I have read by this author and not disappointed again. Enjoyed it very much. First book I have read about Edward I daughter Mary. Definitely recommend this book.
Second book I have read by this author and not disappointed again. Enjoyed it very much. First book I have read about Edward I daughter Mary. Definitely recommend this book.
January 27, 2020
The Princess Nun,Mary, Daughterof Edward I
Great Historical book...An easy read as I didn't want to put it down... I am related to Robert the Bruce through my Scottish ancestry, which I am now researching...I was surprised to see his name in this book... Exciting!
Great Historical book...An easy read as I didn't want to put it down... I am related to Robert the Bruce through my Scottish ancestry, which I am now researching...I was surprised to see his name in this book... Exciting!
April 28, 2021
A good historical read
It's always interesting to learn how people lived in the former times. We have sp much today that we all live like kings. I imagine they would have loved hot running water.
It's always interesting to learn how people lived in the former times. We have sp much today that we all live like kings. I imagine they would have loved hot running water.
May 27, 2021
Enjoyed the book
It was an interesting historical fiction book. Characters were interesting and I found it hard to put down. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction about British royalty
It was an interesting historical fiction book. Characters were interesting and I found it hard to put down. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction about British royalty
July 12, 2019
Couldn’t put it down.
Didn’t want the story to end and looking forward to the next book which I’m sure will be just as good
Didn’t want the story to end and looking forward to the next book which I’m sure will be just as good
July 19, 2019
Took a while
This book took a while for it to get me gripped but once it did it was very entertaining. Good read
This book took a while for it to get me gripped but once it did it was very entertaining. Good read
July 22, 2019
A marvellous read
September 26, 2019
Interesting
This book was an interesting account of mediaeval royal life and Edward I and II. It all ended rather suddenly though.
This book was an interesting account of mediaeval royal life and Edward I and II. It all ended rather suddenly though.
December 16, 2019
I found this novel thoroughly engrossing. It gave a human perspective on historical events and made it very readable.
January 27, 2020
Easy read
It was easy to read and interesting. Overall the story is well written and the characters are believable. Would read other books by this author.
It was easy to read and interesting. Overall the story is well written and the characters are believable. Would read other books by this author.
March 11, 2020
History
I enjoy history and can see how the writer managed to put flesh on the bones of history when I read his references
I enjoy history and can see how the writer managed to put flesh on the bones of history when I read his references
June 19, 2020
Very well written
This is beautifully written and engaging. She made the people come alive as if to look up they were there in front of you.
This is beautifully written and engaging. She made the people come alive as if to look up they were there in front of you.
March 9, 2021
Enjoyable read
I found this book very interesting and easy to read. Normally I get bogged down by over descriptive paragraphs but this book retained my interest.
I found this book very interesting and easy to read. Normally I get bogged down by over descriptive paragraphs but this book retained my interest.
May 3, 2021
A very readable and informative historical novel that encourages me to delve deeper into the period
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May 25, 202105/26/2021
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August 18, 2021Could not read would not download
arc to read book will no cdownload it is not a fault in my tablet but in the book s ability correct ability to download
arc to read book will no cdownload it is not a fault in my tablet but in the book s ability correct ability to download
January 14, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable read about Mary, daughter of Edward I. It's clearly well researched, the details made it a rich read. I cannot wait to read the other books by this author!!!
March 4, 2022
Fun,historical accurate account of Henry the third’s family. But not researched paper.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews