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Tudor Christmas Tidings: Christmas at Court / Secrets of the Queen's Lady / His Mistletoe Lady
Make Merry at Court
…with three Tudor Christmas stories!
In Blythe Gifford’s Christmas at Court, Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice’s secret betrothal must wait until Henry Tudor claims the throne.
Next, in Secrets of the Queen’s Lady by Jenni Fletcher, the lady-in-waiting to Anne of Cleves is unexpectedly reunited with a handsome—younger—diplomat at the palace’s festivities!
And in His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe, Catherine seeks help from a mysterious Spaniard to free her father in time for Christmas!
…with three Tudor Christmas stories!
In Blythe Gifford’s Christmas at Court, Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice’s secret betrothal must wait until Henry Tudor claims the throne.
Next, in Secrets of the Queen’s Lady by Jenni Fletcher, the lady-in-waiting to Anne of Cleves is unexpectedly reunited with a handsome—younger—diplomat at the palace’s festivities!
And in His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe, Catherine seeks help from a mysterious Spaniard to free her father in time for Christmas!
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2020
14 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Blythe Gifford
55 books64 followersAfter many years in public relations, advertising, and marketing, Blythe Gifford started writing seriously after a corporate layoff. Ten years and one layoff later, she became an overnight success when she sold her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist manuscript to Harlequin.
She has since written medieval romances featuring characters born on the wrong side of the royal blanket. Now, she’s launching a new series set on the turbulent Scottish Borders.
The Chicago Tribune has called her work “the perfect balance between history and romance.”
Photo by Jennifer Girard.
She has since written medieval romances featuring characters born on the wrong side of the royal blanket. Now, she’s launching a new series set on the turbulent Scottish Borders.
The Chicago Tribune has called her work “the perfect balance between history and romance.”
Photo by Jennifer Girard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 30, 2020
Tudor trials!
Three tales of Christmas during Tudor times. Rich with traditions, foods and inevitably, intrigue. From the courtly dances, to gathering Christmas boughs, to court games--often lighthearted on the surface but with dangerous depths.
From the beginning of the Tudor's reign, from Richard and Henry to Mary.
Three stories that find love amidst dangerous times where plots and treason are rampant.
Christmas at Court by Wendy Blythe Gifford
The twelve days of Christmas form the background of this novel reeking treachery and danger. Christmas Eve 1483—Westminster Palace, set under Richard III's rule prior to Henry Tudor's battle for the throne. Lady Alice of Oakshire is told by the former Queen, now Dame Elizabeth and herself in sanctuary, that she is to be betrothed on Christmas Day to John Talbot, son and heir of the Earl of Stanson. Alice finds she must keep her own counsel and be vigilante. Who can she trust at this time? On another note,I found the laws around the concept of betrothal fascinating.
Secrets of the Queen’s Lady by Jenni Fletcher
1541--Hampton Court in the new year
Lady Anne of Cleves, no longer Queen, now legalized as Henry Tudor's sister, returns at his invitation to court for New Year celebrations along with her ladies. Amongst them the widowed Lady Philippa (Pippa) Bray. Philippa, having decided to remain a widow has no time for Sir Christopher Lowell whom she knew years ago as Kit, against everything her heart is telling her.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe
Interestingly set in the Catholic Queen Mary Tudor's court of 1554 when King Philip of Spain is present awaiting the birth of their child. Most stories tell of this time as one fermented of rebellion and sly Spaniards being very much the enemy. This was a different take, with a young woman, Catherine Greaves, whose mother is Spanish, a former lady in waiting to Mary, joins her mother at to plea for her father, Sir Walter Greaves, who it appears was caught up in the Wyatt Rebellion and was subsequently imprisoned in the Tower. Whilst here Catherine makes the acquaintance of one of Philip's Spanish courtiers, the very dashing aristocrat, Don Diego de Vasquez. This will be a Yuletide unlike any Catherine has known.
A Harlequin - Romance ARC via NetGalley
Three tales of Christmas during Tudor times. Rich with traditions, foods and inevitably, intrigue. From the courtly dances, to gathering Christmas boughs, to court games--often lighthearted on the surface but with dangerous depths.
From the beginning of the Tudor's reign, from Richard and Henry to Mary.
Three stories that find love amidst dangerous times where plots and treason are rampant.
Christmas at Court by Wendy Blythe Gifford
The twelve days of Christmas form the background of this novel reeking treachery and danger. Christmas Eve 1483—Westminster Palace, set under Richard III's rule prior to Henry Tudor's battle for the throne. Lady Alice of Oakshire is told by the former Queen, now Dame Elizabeth and herself in sanctuary, that she is to be betrothed on Christmas Day to John Talbot, son and heir of the Earl of Stanson. Alice finds she must keep her own counsel and be vigilante. Who can she trust at this time? On another note,I found the laws around the concept of betrothal fascinating.
Secrets of the Queen’s Lady by Jenni Fletcher
1541--Hampton Court in the new year
Lady Anne of Cleves, no longer Queen, now legalized as Henry Tudor's sister, returns at his invitation to court for New Year celebrations along with her ladies. Amongst them the widowed Lady Philippa (Pippa) Bray. Philippa, having decided to remain a widow has no time for Sir Christopher Lowell whom she knew years ago as Kit, against everything her heart is telling her.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe
Interestingly set in the Catholic Queen Mary Tudor's court of 1554 when King Philip of Spain is present awaiting the birth of their child. Most stories tell of this time as one fermented of rebellion and sly Spaniards being very much the enemy. This was a different take, with a young woman, Catherine Greaves, whose mother is Spanish, a former lady in waiting to Mary, joins her mother at to plea for her father, Sir Walter Greaves, who it appears was caught up in the Wyatt Rebellion and was subsequently imprisoned in the Tower. Whilst here Catherine makes the acquaintance of one of Philip's Spanish courtiers, the very dashing aristocrat, Don Diego de Vasquez. This will be a Yuletide unlike any Catherine has known.
A Harlequin - Romance ARC via NetGalley
December 23, 2020
I thought it would be fun to read some light romances about Tudor Christmases, and two of the stories were enjoyable (especially the third one, about intrigue at Queen Mary’s court). But as a Ricardian, I just couldn’t make myself finish the first story.
December 30, 2024
I have been in a dreadful slump, so it could very well be my mood, but this was a slog of a read for me - which isn't really a good sign for an anthology. I normally enjoy Blythe Gifford's stories, but the short format doesn't do her any favors here - it was too much political intrigue with not enough pages to flesh out said intrigue, coupled with very little romance.
I liked the Jenni Fletcher story a bit better, the pairing of a younger hero, who is not an heir but at the whims of a politically motivated older brother, and a widowed heroine whose marriage was not as happy as everyone thinks it was mainly because her husband emotionally abused her over her inability to get pregnant.
Finally the Amanda McCabe story gives us something a little different, set during the time after Queen Mary weds King Philip II and the court is awash in Spaniards. The heroine's father is currently in the Tower of London, but her mother's connections means Christmas at court and hoping for the Queen's good graces. The hero is a courtier from Spain who knows more about her father's situation than even she's aware.
I liked the Jenni Fletcher story a bit better, the pairing of a younger hero, who is not an heir but at the whims of a politically motivated older brother, and a widowed heroine whose marriage was not as happy as everyone thinks it was mainly because her husband emotionally abused her over her inability to get pregnant.
Finally the Amanda McCabe story gives us something a little different, set during the time after Queen Mary weds King Philip II and the court is awash in Spaniards. The heroine's father is currently in the Tower of London, but her mother's connections means Christmas at court and hoping for the Queen's good graces. The hero is a courtier from Spain who knows more about her father's situation than even she's aware.
October 5, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I am a massive fan of historical fiction and I love the Tudor period so reading the blurb for this one I was very keen to get my hands on a copy and I thought that it was great – how could a massive fan of Christmas and historical fiction not love three Christmas novellas after all!
The plots in the book were well planned out and I thought that the characters were great and well developed. I loved their interaction and how they brought the historical figures for life.
It is 5 stars from me for this trilogy of novellas – they were well written and a joy to read – I would definitely recommend them to any fans of historical fiction and the late Ricardian/Tudor period as the first book is set in the reign of Richard III – very highly recommended!
I am a massive fan of historical fiction and I love the Tudor period so reading the blurb for this one I was very keen to get my hands on a copy and I thought that it was great – how could a massive fan of Christmas and historical fiction not love three Christmas novellas after all!
The plots in the book were well planned out and I thought that the characters were great and well developed. I loved their interaction and how they brought the historical figures for life.
It is 5 stars from me for this trilogy of novellas – they were well written and a joy to read – I would definitely recommend them to any fans of historical fiction and the late Ricardian/Tudor period as the first book is set in the reign of Richard III – very highly recommended!
September 10, 2020
A set of three novellas all set at Christmastime at different parts of the Tudor era, I’m going to give each of these a separate review.
Christmas at Court by Blythe Gifford
The court of Richard III was a terrifying and treacherous place… especially for a young woman whose family was sworn to Elizabeth Woodville, and a man dedicated to seeing Henry Tudor take England’s throne. Set over three consecutive Christmases - two in Richard’s court and one in Henry’s - this tells the story of Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice, who are betrothed to each other at the connivance of their families, all of whom are busily assuring Richard of their loyalty even while quietly working behind the scenes against him. Everyone is playing dangerous games and nobody dares say anything, because the walls have ears… but nevertheless across the twelve days of the first Christmas they spend in each others’ company, John and Alice begin to develop feelings for each other, but it isn’t until Henry has the throne that they are finally able to think of a future together. What I liked most about this was the air of tension that permeated it; the whole court was paranoid, looking over their shoulders, wondering what the future would hold, and that really came across in Alice and John’s interactions; both nervous about anything they said in the fear that it might be fatal if their trust was misplaced.
Secrets of the Queen’s Lady by Jenni Fletcher
Anne of Cleves is considered by many to be the luckiest of Henry VIII’s famous six wives; their marriage lasted a scant six months before he divorced her and married Katherine Howard, but he treated her as a ‘favoured sister’, setting up her own court at Richmond. This story follows one of Anne’s ladies-in-waiting, Lady Pippa - a widow in her late thirties - and Kit, a young lord who has been acting as a diplomat in Europe. This one is interesting because Pippa is eight years older than Kit; they first met when he was only 17 and she took pity on him bumbling lost around a palace. After surviving a ghastly marriage, Pippa has vowed not to wed again, but Kit’s devotion eventually persuades her to reconsider.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe
Daughter of one of Catherine of Aragon’s former ladies in waiting, Catherin Greaves is summoned with her mother to Queen Mary’s court. With her father in the Tower following his apparent involvement in a plot to remove Mary from the throne, Catherine’s future is uncertain, and she’s definitely not eligible to marry Don Diego de Vasquez, an important and wealthy Spanish lord. The two of them are inexorably drawn together, though, and Catherine dares to dream of a future far from England’s shores. Based on the real story of Jane Dormer and the Count of Feria (who also appear in the story).
I really enjoyed this collection. All three stories were beautifully written and researched and felt so true to the period, each really capturing the mood of the courts in which they took place. I think Pippa and Kit’s story was my favourite, but then I’m always a sucker for an older woman/younger man story. All three of them are well worth reading. Five stars for a fantastic Tudor Christmas collection.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via Rachel’s Random Resources.
Christmas at Court by Blythe Gifford
The court of Richard III was a terrifying and treacherous place… especially for a young woman whose family was sworn to Elizabeth Woodville, and a man dedicated to seeing Henry Tudor take England’s throne. Set over three consecutive Christmases - two in Richard’s court and one in Henry’s - this tells the story of Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice, who are betrothed to each other at the connivance of their families, all of whom are busily assuring Richard of their loyalty even while quietly working behind the scenes against him. Everyone is playing dangerous games and nobody dares say anything, because the walls have ears… but nevertheless across the twelve days of the first Christmas they spend in each others’ company, John and Alice begin to develop feelings for each other, but it isn’t until Henry has the throne that they are finally able to think of a future together. What I liked most about this was the air of tension that permeated it; the whole court was paranoid, looking over their shoulders, wondering what the future would hold, and that really came across in Alice and John’s interactions; both nervous about anything they said in the fear that it might be fatal if their trust was misplaced.
Secrets of the Queen’s Lady by Jenni Fletcher
Anne of Cleves is considered by many to be the luckiest of Henry VIII’s famous six wives; their marriage lasted a scant six months before he divorced her and married Katherine Howard, but he treated her as a ‘favoured sister’, setting up her own court at Richmond. This story follows one of Anne’s ladies-in-waiting, Lady Pippa - a widow in her late thirties - and Kit, a young lord who has been acting as a diplomat in Europe. This one is interesting because Pippa is eight years older than Kit; they first met when he was only 17 and she took pity on him bumbling lost around a palace. After surviving a ghastly marriage, Pippa has vowed not to wed again, but Kit’s devotion eventually persuades her to reconsider.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe
Daughter of one of Catherine of Aragon’s former ladies in waiting, Catherin Greaves is summoned with her mother to Queen Mary’s court. With her father in the Tower following his apparent involvement in a plot to remove Mary from the throne, Catherine’s future is uncertain, and she’s definitely not eligible to marry Don Diego de Vasquez, an important and wealthy Spanish lord. The two of them are inexorably drawn together, though, and Catherine dares to dream of a future far from England’s shores. Based on the real story of Jane Dormer and the Count of Feria (who also appear in the story).
I really enjoyed this collection. All three stories were beautifully written and researched and felt so true to the period, each really capturing the mood of the courts in which they took place. I think Pippa and Kit’s story was my favourite, but then I’m always a sucker for an older woman/younger man story. All three of them are well worth reading. Five stars for a fantastic Tudor Christmas collection.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via Rachel’s Random Resources.
December 9, 2020
TUDOR CHRISTMAS TIDINGS is a wonderful holiday treat. Three stories by Blythe Gifford, Jenni Fletcher, and Amanda McCabe are full of tradition, food, atmosphere, and romance set against a powerful, sometimes dangerous, time in English history. McCabe’s sweet story highlighting closed off Spaniard Diego and Catherine, a young woman whose father is jailed for treason, stands out because of its focus on Queen Mary’s Catholic reign. Of course, things are never as simple as they seem on the surface. I am a huge fan of historical fiction but have not read a lot tales set in Tudor England. TUDOR CHRISTMAS TIDINGS offers me a nice change of pace and is a nice addition to anyone’s holiday themed reading list.
I gratefully received a copy of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
I gratefully received a copy of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
September 30, 2020
This short story collection really was sweet. If you are expecting to have all the drama that you would normally have with the Tudors, you will not find it within this book. It is truly a book with 3 sweet short stories about other people around this time period.
My favorite story was the middle story. It was an age gap romance with an older woman, and Pippa and Kit were really sweet. It's a friends to lovers age gap, and it fed my soul in the best way.
I didn't particularly care for the last story in the collection, but it wasn't bad. Just not my trope.
My favorite story was the middle story. It was an age gap romance with an older woman, and Pippa and Kit were really sweet. It's a friends to lovers age gap, and it fed my soul in the best way.
I didn't particularly care for the last story in the collection, but it wasn't bad. Just not my trope.
December 16, 2020
Three Christmas novellas, all taking place at court during the Tudor period. The three romances were good, but I was smitten with what was going on in the background in each of the stories: rebellion, betrayal, and secrecy at court based on real historical events. My favorite parts are the inclusion of the Tudor-era Christmas traditions, with descriptions of decorating, merriment, and food.
A lot of fun, and I'm excited to have been introduced to three new authors!
A lot of fun, and I'm excited to have been introduced to three new authors!
November 23, 2020
This is a wonderful collection of three novellas, each featuring a courtly romance at different periods through Tudor times.
The first story involves a quiet betrothal between two young people from families whose allegiances could be suspect. They are afraid to wed and call attention, although years may pass before political differences are resolved or overthrown.
The second finds a lady in waiting to Ann of Cleves, who is divorced and living quietly, being courted by a dashing young diplomat. They have to attend the monarch at Christmas, but luckily Henry doesn't cast his eye on this lady in waiting.
The third tale introduces a half-Spanish young lady who has to accept the cold and frost of England, thinking about orange groves and warmth. Her father has been locked in the Tower and she just wants to see him before Christmas, if he can't be released to rejoin her mother. A passing Spanish gentleman might be of help, but does she dare to ask?
Well-researched and cleverly written, these lovely tales are the equals of any historical romances I have read this year. Enjoy the historical background and the characters in the foreground.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The first story involves a quiet betrothal between two young people from families whose allegiances could be suspect. They are afraid to wed and call attention, although years may pass before political differences are resolved or overthrown.
The second finds a lady in waiting to Ann of Cleves, who is divorced and living quietly, being courted by a dashing young diplomat. They have to attend the monarch at Christmas, but luckily Henry doesn't cast his eye on this lady in waiting.
The third tale introduces a half-Spanish young lady who has to accept the cold and frost of England, thinking about orange groves and warmth. Her father has been locked in the Tower and she just wants to see him before Christmas, if he can't be released to rejoin her mother. A passing Spanish gentleman might be of help, but does she dare to ask?
Well-researched and cleverly written, these lovely tales are the equals of any historical romances I have read this year. Enjoy the historical background and the characters in the foreground.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
September 12, 2020
It's been so long since I have read in this world of the Tudors and I have missed it! These stories were short and sweet and placed in a world that took me away from the craziness of the one we are in now. It was just what I needed! Thank you for letting me read and review.
December 14, 2020
I was eager to read this holiday collection from Harlequin, as its set in the little-used Renaissance period. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite all I hoped it would be.
Christmas at Court by Blythe Gifford - ⭐⭐
Set between 1483-1485, our pair, Lady Alice and Sir John, find their marriage alliance in parallel with the upstart Henry Tudor and his promise to wed Elizabeth of York and overthrow Richard III. This story was about 90% intrigue and 10% romance, and I confess I was confused about how Alice's and John's relationship was so reliant on Henry's and Elizabeth's. Perhaps if this had been a full-length novel, the political crises could've been spaced out more evenly, and the romance given room to grow. As it is, Alice and John spent pretty much all of their time together doubting each other and their familial alliances, so I'm not really sure what they saw in each other, beyond the initial attraction and lust. I don't really believe they could've had a HEA, considering they barely knew each other and didn't really seem to trust each other. A disappointment, to be sure.
Secrets of the Queen's Lady by Jenni Fletcher - ⭐⭐
Set in 1540. I found this story totally unbelievable, unfortunately. Pippa, our heroine, was never able to get out of her own way, and her reasons for resisting Kit's woo were thin, at best. We romance readers are tired of heroes being treated badly by one woman in their life and swearing off marriage - and unfortunately, that's basically Pippa's stance here. Plus she makes a HUGE deal out of being 7 years older than Kit and how she thinks she'll just drag him down. Kit's no real prize, either; his answer to all of his woes is basically to run away. He doesn't care about being disowned by his family (!). He felt too modern for this time period altogether, wanting to forge his own path and marry a woman to be his partner. And he gives Pippa way too much latitude to hurt him, especially after she calls him a boy to his face. The cherry on top of this impossibly implausible cake? Anne of Cleves as matchmaker. Yeah, no, sorry, not buying that at all 😒
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
By far the best of the bunch, IMO. Set in 1554, at the Christmas Court of Queen Mary, this story is the perfect blend of court intrigue and holiday romance. We meet our pair, Catherine Greaves and Don Diego de Vasquez, as they arrive in London for very different reasons: Catherine and her mother are there to plead for her father's life - he's been locked in the Tower as a traitor as part of the Wyatt rebellion - while Diego has been summoned to gather intelligence about other plots against the Queen. The two meet and, more or less in spite of themselves, begin to fall in love in the midst of the holiday revelry. Diego's contact on the inside is none other than Catherine's father, a secret that's kept from everyone save about 3 people, which, being an honorable man, he thinks puts Catherine out of his reach. Diego is worldly and sophisticated, which Catherine thinks puts him beyond *her* reach. She's determined to make merry while she can, though, and Diego is only too happy to oblige.
There are quite a few steamy kisses - which seem out of place but could be put down to the passionate nature of the Spanish, I suppose 😄 - but otherwise, this is a well-rounded, believable romance. There's even a bit of action at the end, before the obligatory confessions of love. Well done to Ms. McCabe!
Christmas at Court by Blythe Gifford - ⭐⭐
Set between 1483-1485, our pair, Lady Alice and Sir John, find their marriage alliance in parallel with the upstart Henry Tudor and his promise to wed Elizabeth of York and overthrow Richard III. This story was about 90% intrigue and 10% romance, and I confess I was confused about how Alice's and John's relationship was so reliant on Henry's and Elizabeth's. Perhaps if this had been a full-length novel, the political crises could've been spaced out more evenly, and the romance given room to grow. As it is, Alice and John spent pretty much all of their time together doubting each other and their familial alliances, so I'm not really sure what they saw in each other, beyond the initial attraction and lust. I don't really believe they could've had a HEA, considering they barely knew each other and didn't really seem to trust each other. A disappointment, to be sure.
Secrets of the Queen's Lady by Jenni Fletcher - ⭐⭐
Set in 1540. I found this story totally unbelievable, unfortunately. Pippa, our heroine, was never able to get out of her own way, and her reasons for resisting Kit's woo were thin, at best. We romance readers are tired of heroes being treated badly by one woman in their life and swearing off marriage - and unfortunately, that's basically Pippa's stance here. Plus she makes a HUGE deal out of being 7 years older than Kit and how she thinks she'll just drag him down. Kit's no real prize, either; his answer to all of his woes is basically to run away. He doesn't care about being disowned by his family (!). He felt too modern for this time period altogether, wanting to forge his own path and marry a woman to be his partner. And he gives Pippa way too much latitude to hurt him, especially after she calls him a boy to his face. The cherry on top of this impossibly implausible cake? Anne of Cleves as matchmaker. Yeah, no, sorry, not buying that at all 😒
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
By far the best of the bunch, IMO. Set in 1554, at the Christmas Court of Queen Mary, this story is the perfect blend of court intrigue and holiday romance. We meet our pair, Catherine Greaves and Don Diego de Vasquez, as they arrive in London for very different reasons: Catherine and her mother are there to plead for her father's life - he's been locked in the Tower as a traitor as part of the Wyatt rebellion - while Diego has been summoned to gather intelligence about other plots against the Queen. The two meet and, more or less in spite of themselves, begin to fall in love in the midst of the holiday revelry. Diego's contact on the inside is none other than Catherine's father, a secret that's kept from everyone save about 3 people, which, being an honorable man, he thinks puts Catherine out of his reach. Diego is worldly and sophisticated, which Catherine thinks puts him beyond *her* reach. She's determined to make merry while she can, though, and Diego is only too happy to oblige.
There are quite a few steamy kisses - which seem out of place but could be put down to the passionate nature of the Spanish, I suppose 😄 - but otherwise, this is a well-rounded, believable romance. There's even a bit of action at the end, before the obligatory confessions of love. Well done to Ms. McCabe!
October 4, 2020
𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱
Wow with this first novella, I had to take a crash course in some of the Tudors’ history.
John and Alice find themselves betrothed in the name of some plotting alliances, seeking the right allies but also ready to turn their back if necessary.
They are pawns in a game with their country’s fate in line. This one tale is a political play about whom to trust or not, how to face courts and its many schemes and traps.
There is not a romance in the true meaning of the word, more a drama as they observe the other like vulture and prey, never knowing where lie their pledge. Neither trusts the other, so they dance around one another, unsure if their head is in balance.
Yet this is an interesting story about a hectic period and the plot to eradicate the usurper.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿
I loved this tale of an older woman and her dashing younger suitor.
I liked these tales with mature women, they have a past, are no shy nor demure debutante.
Lady Philippa escaped from her marriage more damaged than she let people know. It left her broken and unable to trust herself to be an asset for any other man.
Christopher “Kit” has been bewitched by Pippa since their first encounter, but she was a married woman at that time. Now she is free, when they rekindle their relationship, the spark is still there. But she is the one holding back, using her past wounds as a shield when he does not care a wit about what she deems as an impediment to any future between them.
I just loved Kit, he knows what he wants and goes for it when Pippa, the older of the two acts quite childishly and cowardly and hurt him on a regular basis when he undoes any of her objections to prove her he is no fickle fellow. She let her past’s hurt hold her back, until a wise woman make her see by staying behind she let her late husband win.
4,5 stars
𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗠𝗰𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗲
This tale takes us to the court of Mary I when she was supposedly awaiting her first child. Due to her marriage with Philip II of Spain, the court is filled with Spaniards.
Catherine is invited/summoned with her mother an former lady’s in waiting of Catherine d’Aragon, the Queen’s mother. While it is a merry time, they navigate in muddy waters as her father is imprisoned in The Tower for treason.
Don Diego, a wealthy Spanish lord and a widower, is on a special mission, one he can’t reveal.
Their chemistry is immediate, but the court’s scheming and political situation hold them back at first. Until they give in their attraction but there is so much that can come between them.
4 stars
This was a fascinating read, which played with agitated times, interlocked with existing characters and the political schemes of these royal’s courts. As a French, I learned a lot about this area, it was fascinating.
4 stars
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Wow with this first novella, I had to take a crash course in some of the Tudors’ history.
John and Alice find themselves betrothed in the name of some plotting alliances, seeking the right allies but also ready to turn their back if necessary.
They are pawns in a game with their country’s fate in line. This one tale is a political play about whom to trust or not, how to face courts and its many schemes and traps.
There is not a romance in the true meaning of the word, more a drama as they observe the other like vulture and prey, never knowing where lie their pledge. Neither trusts the other, so they dance around one another, unsure if their head is in balance.
Yet this is an interesting story about a hectic period and the plot to eradicate the usurper.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿
I loved this tale of an older woman and her dashing younger suitor.
I liked these tales with mature women, they have a past, are no shy nor demure debutante.
Lady Philippa escaped from her marriage more damaged than she let people know. It left her broken and unable to trust herself to be an asset for any other man.
Christopher “Kit” has been bewitched by Pippa since their first encounter, but she was a married woman at that time. Now she is free, when they rekindle their relationship, the spark is still there. But she is the one holding back, using her past wounds as a shield when he does not care a wit about what she deems as an impediment to any future between them.
I just loved Kit, he knows what he wants and goes for it when Pippa, the older of the two acts quite childishly and cowardly and hurt him on a regular basis when he undoes any of her objections to prove her he is no fickle fellow. She let her past’s hurt hold her back, until a wise woman make her see by staying behind she let her late husband win.
4,5 stars
𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗠𝗰𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗲
This tale takes us to the court of Mary I when she was supposedly awaiting her first child. Due to her marriage with Philip II of Spain, the court is filled with Spaniards.
Catherine is invited/summoned with her mother an former lady’s in waiting of Catherine d’Aragon, the Queen’s mother. While it is a merry time, they navigate in muddy waters as her father is imprisoned in The Tower for treason.
Don Diego, a wealthy Spanish lord and a widower, is on a special mission, one he can’t reveal.
Their chemistry is immediate, but the court’s scheming and political situation hold them back at first. Until they give in their attraction but there is so much that can come between them.
4 stars
This was a fascinating read, which played with agitated times, interlocked with existing characters and the political schemes of these royal’s courts. As a French, I learned a lot about this area, it was fascinating.
4 stars
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September 14, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
As Harlequin is the primary publisher that has released Tudor-era historicals, I was excited to see this upcoming release, Tudor Christmas Tidings, especially as it featured Amanda McCabe, an author I was already familiar with, as well as covering a wider breadth of time than I had previously seen, from just before and after Henry VII’s accession to Mary I’s reign.
“Christmas at Court” by Blythe Gifford
4 stars
A wonderful Christmas story, highlighting the growing relationship between a couple over three Christmases, amidst the backdrop of the tense court of Richard III, as Henry Tudor is abroad planning his uprising. I felt the tension, especially every time the former Queen Elizabeth or young Princess Elizabeth appeared, highlighting their uneasy position of having to kowtow to the new king while hoping for salvation. It was also fascinating to see it the way everyone evolved over the course of three Christmases, even if I wanted more.
“Secrets of the Queen’s Lady” by Jenni Fletcher
5 stars
Jenni Fletcher takes us to Christmas following the annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne of Cleves, when she was invited to spend the holidays at court and met with him and his new wife, Katherine Howard, with things ending much less awkwardly than expected. I love that Fletcher juxtaposed this with the fictional Pippa, who survived a bad marriage and now has the prospect of another chance at love, even while her suitor, Kit’s, friends warn him against it.
“His Mistletoe Lady” by Amanda McCabe
5 stars
I loved this one, highlighting one of the few happy times in Mary I’s life and reign, when she was secure on her throne, newly married, and believed she was expecting an heir. But I also loved the reminder that even while Mary’s life took a turn for the tragic once again in the succeeding years, true HEA-romance did come about during this time, with Catherine and Diego’s love story having real historical inspiration that didn’t end in tragedy.
***
This is a wonderful collectio, that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays from the perspective of three different periods of the Tudor Dynasty. If you love the time period, or just love well-researched historical romance, and novellas that can still pack a punch, I recommend this collection highly.
As Harlequin is the primary publisher that has released Tudor-era historicals, I was excited to see this upcoming release, Tudor Christmas Tidings, especially as it featured Amanda McCabe, an author I was already familiar with, as well as covering a wider breadth of time than I had previously seen, from just before and after Henry VII’s accession to Mary I’s reign.
“Christmas at Court” by Blythe Gifford
4 stars
A wonderful Christmas story, highlighting the growing relationship between a couple over three Christmases, amidst the backdrop of the tense court of Richard III, as Henry Tudor is abroad planning his uprising. I felt the tension, especially every time the former Queen Elizabeth or young Princess Elizabeth appeared, highlighting their uneasy position of having to kowtow to the new king while hoping for salvation. It was also fascinating to see it the way everyone evolved over the course of three Christmases, even if I wanted more.
“Secrets of the Queen’s Lady” by Jenni Fletcher
5 stars
Jenni Fletcher takes us to Christmas following the annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne of Cleves, when she was invited to spend the holidays at court and met with him and his new wife, Katherine Howard, with things ending much less awkwardly than expected. I love that Fletcher juxtaposed this with the fictional Pippa, who survived a bad marriage and now has the prospect of another chance at love, even while her suitor, Kit’s, friends warn him against it.
“His Mistletoe Lady” by Amanda McCabe
5 stars
I loved this one, highlighting one of the few happy times in Mary I’s life and reign, when she was secure on her throne, newly married, and believed she was expecting an heir. But I also loved the reminder that even while Mary’s life took a turn for the tragic once again in the succeeding years, true HEA-romance did come about during this time, with Catherine and Diego’s love story having real historical inspiration that didn’t end in tragedy.
***
This is a wonderful collectio, that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays from the perspective of three different periods of the Tudor Dynasty. If you love the time period, or just love well-researched historical romance, and novellas that can still pack a punch, I recommend this collection highly.
December 18, 2020
This collection of novellas gives a peek into the intrigue and uncertainty of courtiers during three different time periods in the reign of the Tudor family. All three stories did an excellent job of describing the palaces, fashions, famous people, political plots, and Christmastime traditions of the Tudor period. I could just imagine the ladies as they tried to carefully plan for their futures amidst the uncertainty of the palace intrigue.
Blythe Gifford's story Christmas at Court highlighted just how dangerous it was during the reign of Richard III, especially for those who supported Henry Tudor. Lady Alice's and Sir John's secret betrothal can only be fulfilled if Henry takes the throne. This was the most intense of the stories, as the main characters, and many of the real people from history, were under the constant strain of tip-toeing around Richard to stay alive across the several Christmases of his reign.
In Secrets of the Queen's Lady by Jenni Fletcher, Lady Philippa is one of Anne of Cleves' ladies-in-waiting, after Henry VIII has set aside Queen Anne and Lady Philippa's husband has died. Lady Philippa gets a second chance at love when the younger diplomat Sir Christopher returns from abroad. While they once shared a brief friendship, Philippa is reluctant to trust another man after her disastrous first marriage. This was an interesting look into the household of Anne of Cleves after she was replaced as queen.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe features more intrigue, this time during the reign of Queen Mary. A rebellion against Mary and the influence of her new husband, Philip, the King of Spain, has just been put down. However, spies on both sides are at work at the court during the Christmas season. Lady Catherine finds the visiting Spaniard Don Diego fascinating, but she must take care to do all she can to help her father who is in the Tower of London accused of being one of the rebels. This was an unusual story for me in that it showed Queen Mary in a sympathetic light during the happiest moments of her reign.
All three stories bring to light the Christmas traditions of the time, many of which are still practiced today. The romances are sweet and help to bring hope and security to the couples in the stories and bring the reader a heart-warming feeling for Christmas or any time of year.
Blythe Gifford's story Christmas at Court highlighted just how dangerous it was during the reign of Richard III, especially for those who supported Henry Tudor. Lady Alice's and Sir John's secret betrothal can only be fulfilled if Henry takes the throne. This was the most intense of the stories, as the main characters, and many of the real people from history, were under the constant strain of tip-toeing around Richard to stay alive across the several Christmases of his reign.
In Secrets of the Queen's Lady by Jenni Fletcher, Lady Philippa is one of Anne of Cleves' ladies-in-waiting, after Henry VIII has set aside Queen Anne and Lady Philippa's husband has died. Lady Philippa gets a second chance at love when the younger diplomat Sir Christopher returns from abroad. While they once shared a brief friendship, Philippa is reluctant to trust another man after her disastrous first marriage. This was an interesting look into the household of Anne of Cleves after she was replaced as queen.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe features more intrigue, this time during the reign of Queen Mary. A rebellion against Mary and the influence of her new husband, Philip, the King of Spain, has just been put down. However, spies on both sides are at work at the court during the Christmas season. Lady Catherine finds the visiting Spaniard Don Diego fascinating, but she must take care to do all she can to help her father who is in the Tower of London accused of being one of the rebels. This was an unusual story for me in that it showed Queen Mary in a sympathetic light during the happiest moments of her reign.
All three stories bring to light the Christmas traditions of the time, many of which are still practiced today. The romances are sweet and help to bring hope and security to the couples in the stories and bring the reader a heart-warming feeling for Christmas or any time of year.
October 4, 2020
I absolutely love Historical Romances. Everyone that knows me is aware of that fact. But I think it's the first time I read historical romances novellas. I have to say, I absolutely loved reading each one of these three Tudor Christmas stories.
Firstly, I love the main characters in the three novellas. Each one of them had strong personalities, and I could connected with then, despite being a quick story each time. I think the character I most loved was Kit, since he was so different from what we usually see, and I loved his emotional side, it touched my heart.
Another aspect I loved was the fact that it's a Christmas book, and that's one of my favorite holidays. It was good to have a connection between the stories, and of course the time period is also something I enjoyed learning more about. Tudor isn't something I know a lot about, so while reading the novellas, I was curious.
The plot in each story was fun too. Each one was unique and had a pace that made sense for the storyline. And that's something I also enjoyed. I was interesting to see the characters accomplish theirs goals, fall in love or accept their feelings, as well as going through the motions of life back then.
It wasn't crazy with twists or turns, it was just what I needed in terms of romance, drama, tension, excitement. If you want to enter the world of Historical Romances, this definitely is a perfect way to get introduced to the genre, since it's novellas and you can still feel the essence of the historical element.
Overall, I loved it! I already knew Jenni Fletcher and I love her books, it wasn't a surprised I loved this novella. But... it was my introduction to Blythe Gifford and Amanda McCabe, and if I was already curious about their books, I'm even more now.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Blythe Gifford, Jenni Fletcher and Amanda McCabe for the eCopy of this book. Thank you for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
Firstly, I love the main characters in the three novellas. Each one of them had strong personalities, and I could connected with then, despite being a quick story each time. I think the character I most loved was Kit, since he was so different from what we usually see, and I loved his emotional side, it touched my heart.
Another aspect I loved was the fact that it's a Christmas book, and that's one of my favorite holidays. It was good to have a connection between the stories, and of course the time period is also something I enjoyed learning more about. Tudor isn't something I know a lot about, so while reading the novellas, I was curious.
The plot in each story was fun too. Each one was unique and had a pace that made sense for the storyline. And that's something I also enjoyed. I was interesting to see the characters accomplish theirs goals, fall in love or accept their feelings, as well as going through the motions of life back then.
It wasn't crazy with twists or turns, it was just what I needed in terms of romance, drama, tension, excitement. If you want to enter the world of Historical Romances, this definitely is a perfect way to get introduced to the genre, since it's novellas and you can still feel the essence of the historical element.
Overall, I loved it! I already knew Jenni Fletcher and I love her books, it wasn't a surprised I loved this novella. But... it was my introduction to Blythe Gifford and Amanda McCabe, and if I was already curious about their books, I'm even more now.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Blythe Gifford, Jenni Fletcher and Amanda McCabe for the eCopy of this book. Thank you for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
November 1, 2020
This book is, as you can probably tell from the blurb, is made up of three historical romances. They are all set in the same Tudor time and vary in length. The first one is 'Christmas at Court' by Blythe Gifford. This story literally jumps straight in to the plot and grips the readers attention almost from the first word. It is easy to get stuck into, consisting of ten chapters that will fly by, with the reader greatly invested. Now the story does jump in time but it is done in a way that the reader doesn't feel like they are missing anything.
The second story in this book is called 'Secrets of the Queen's Lady' by Jenni Fletcher, this story consists of 9 Chapters. From the beginning of this book it is easy to see that the main characters have a past that the reader will want to know about. Not only that but they also have instant chemistry. This is well written as well as easy to read. One of the best things about this story is the strong female lead, who isn't out there looking for her perfect match.
The third story in this book is called 'His Mistletoe Lady' by Amanda McCabe and consists of 13 Chapters. This story is all about Lady Catherine and the mysterious Spaniard. This story will grip the readers attention from the start, as it is very interesting. What makes it interesting is that there seems to be more going on than what is on the surface. Readers will find this book easy to read and will find themselves flying through the chapters in no time. The character interactions are on point and somehow the Author has made the interactions between the main characters brilliant even before they have spoken to each other.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, each story was unique but at the same time they were all set in the same era. These were all new authors for me to discover and I really enjoyed finding out their style of writing. I will definitely be on the look out for some more works by these three ladies.
The second story in this book is called 'Secrets of the Queen's Lady' by Jenni Fletcher, this story consists of 9 Chapters. From the beginning of this book it is easy to see that the main characters have a past that the reader will want to know about. Not only that but they also have instant chemistry. This is well written as well as easy to read. One of the best things about this story is the strong female lead, who isn't out there looking for her perfect match.
The third story in this book is called 'His Mistletoe Lady' by Amanda McCabe and consists of 13 Chapters. This story is all about Lady Catherine and the mysterious Spaniard. This story will grip the readers attention from the start, as it is very interesting. What makes it interesting is that there seems to be more going on than what is on the surface. Readers will find this book easy to read and will find themselves flying through the chapters in no time. The character interactions are on point and somehow the Author has made the interactions between the main characters brilliant even before they have spoken to each other.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, each story was unique but at the same time they were all set in the same era. These were all new authors for me to discover and I really enjoyed finding out their style of writing. I will definitely be on the look out for some more works by these three ladies.
April 26, 2021
Make Merry at Court
...with three Tudor Christmas stories!
Christmas at Court by Blythe Gifford
Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice's secret betrothal must wait until Henry Tudor claims the throne.
Set during the Christmas seasons of 1483-1485, while King Richard III struggles to keep his throne against Henry Tudor's threat. Alice and John enter a betrothal set up by their fathers. Those gentlemen profess their loyalty to Richard while working quietly to help Henry take the throne. During that first Christmas, John and Alice get to know each other a little. There is attraction and a tentative friendship, and each is wary of trusting the other. The next time they see each other is Christmas 1484. The tensions at Court are palpable as rumors of Henry's plans run rife. A year apart has allowed doubts to creep in about each other's commitment, but time spent together eases some of those doubts. By Christmas of 1485, Henry is now king, but John and Alice cannot marry until the king keeps his promise to marry Princess Elizabeth. To complicate matters, John's father has come up with a new plan that may put an end to their betrothal.
I liked both John and Alice. Alice is sweet but not naïve, especially after living at Court. While she accepts her father's dictates about who to marry, she is intelligent enough to deduce the politics behind it. I liked how Alice confronted John and insisted on knowing the whole story. She is also smart enough to keep her wits about her in the paranoid atmosphere and stay out of trouble. John is suspicious of Alice at first, especially when he realizes her intelligence, and worries that she might play both sides. I liked seeing the relationship develop, with a little more depth each Christmas. The third year is especially trying as they try to move their future forward. I loved seeing John stand up to his father and take matters into his own hands. Once they are away from the Court's intrigues, I think John and Alice will be happy together.
I enjoyed seeing the Tudor Christmas traditions and learning a few things I didn't know about betrothals of the period. I also enjoyed the historical bits about Henry's rise to the throne. Most of it I knew, but the treatment was different than other things I've read.
Secrets of the Queen's Lady by Jenni Fletcher
The lady-in-waiting to Anne of Cleves is unexpectedly reunited with a handsome—younger—diplomat at the palace's festivities!
1540 - Henry VIII and Katherine Howard are King and Queen in this story, while Anne of Cleves is now the king's "favored sister." The widowed Lady Pippa is one of Anne's ladies-in-waiting, a position she took after her husband's death. Pippa's marriage was a miserable one, and she swore she would not marry again. Just before Christmas, a young diplomat arrived to invite Anne to join the King and Queen for Christmas. Pippa was surprised to see Lord Christopher, who she'd known ten years earlier when he was a lad of seventeen.
The development of the relationship between Kit and Pippa was a rocky one. Kit remembered Pippa very well - he's compared other women to her for years. His brother wants Kit to marry a young woman he picked out, but Kit isn't interested. He only has eyes for Pippa. Meanwhile, Pippa resists Kit as hard as she can. She is seven years older than he is, was reviled by her husband because she didn't give him a child, and doesn't want to risk another marriage. She does everything she can to push Kit away. I ached for Kit because he loves Pippa, but he can't get through to her. I loved that her age and childlessness didn't bother him at all. There were some emotional scenes as he tried to convince her of his love. Pippa frequently frustrated me with her refusal to give him a chance. Her husband's cruelty deeply affected her self-confidence. I wanted to shake her each time she lied to him about her feelings. I loved how she received some eye-opening advice from Anne and some unexpected help when she decided. The ending was terrific. I would have liked an epilogue to see where they ended up.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe
Catherine seeks help from a mysterious Spaniard to free her father in time for Christmas!
1554 - Queen Mary and King Philip. It is early in Queen Mary's reign, shortly after her marriage to Philip. This is a happy time for her: a rebellion against her rule has been stopped, she expects her first child (she believes), and it is Christmas. It's not all sweetness and light - the English resent the presence of her husband's Spanish countrymen, and intrigue still runs rampant.
Catherine and her mother, a former lady-in-waiting to the Queen's mother, travel to London at the Queen's request. Catherine's father resides in prison, accused of participating in the rebellion. Catherine and Elena hope that the Queen will help them. Don Diego is another recent arrival at Court. He is on a secret mission to gather intelligence about threats to the Queen.
I liked the development of the romance between Catherine and Diego. Drawn together from the moment they met, both are initially cautious. Catherine believes that the wealthy and handsome Diego is beyond her reach, especially with her father's imprisonment. Diego knows the truth about her father's situation and tries to stay away for her protection. The holiday revelries throw them together fairly often, and they find much in common, including a growing attraction. I loved Diego's kindness, and there are several sweet scenes of them together.
Intrigue swirls around the court, and Catherine finds herself the focus of several warnings. A former neighbor makes a nuisance of himself, and I felt Catherine's unease whenever she was around him. Her mother reminds her of their precarious position, telling Catherine to be on guard. But when Catherine gets caught up in another attempt on the Queen, will Diego be able to save her? I loved the ending, with Catherine's strength of will and Diego's determination. Their big moment shows excellent potential for their future.
...with three Tudor Christmas stories!
Christmas at Court by Blythe Gifford
Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice's secret betrothal must wait until Henry Tudor claims the throne.
Set during the Christmas seasons of 1483-1485, while King Richard III struggles to keep his throne against Henry Tudor's threat. Alice and John enter a betrothal set up by their fathers. Those gentlemen profess their loyalty to Richard while working quietly to help Henry take the throne. During that first Christmas, John and Alice get to know each other a little. There is attraction and a tentative friendship, and each is wary of trusting the other. The next time they see each other is Christmas 1484. The tensions at Court are palpable as rumors of Henry's plans run rife. A year apart has allowed doubts to creep in about each other's commitment, but time spent together eases some of those doubts. By Christmas of 1485, Henry is now king, but John and Alice cannot marry until the king keeps his promise to marry Princess Elizabeth. To complicate matters, John's father has come up with a new plan that may put an end to their betrothal.
I liked both John and Alice. Alice is sweet but not naïve, especially after living at Court. While she accepts her father's dictates about who to marry, she is intelligent enough to deduce the politics behind it. I liked how Alice confronted John and insisted on knowing the whole story. She is also smart enough to keep her wits about her in the paranoid atmosphere and stay out of trouble. John is suspicious of Alice at first, especially when he realizes her intelligence, and worries that she might play both sides. I liked seeing the relationship develop, with a little more depth each Christmas. The third year is especially trying as they try to move their future forward. I loved seeing John stand up to his father and take matters into his own hands. Once they are away from the Court's intrigues, I think John and Alice will be happy together.
I enjoyed seeing the Tudor Christmas traditions and learning a few things I didn't know about betrothals of the period. I also enjoyed the historical bits about Henry's rise to the throne. Most of it I knew, but the treatment was different than other things I've read.
Secrets of the Queen's Lady by Jenni Fletcher
The lady-in-waiting to Anne of Cleves is unexpectedly reunited with a handsome—younger—diplomat at the palace's festivities!
1540 - Henry VIII and Katherine Howard are King and Queen in this story, while Anne of Cleves is now the king's "favored sister." The widowed Lady Pippa is one of Anne's ladies-in-waiting, a position she took after her husband's death. Pippa's marriage was a miserable one, and she swore she would not marry again. Just before Christmas, a young diplomat arrived to invite Anne to join the King and Queen for Christmas. Pippa was surprised to see Lord Christopher, who she'd known ten years earlier when he was a lad of seventeen.
The development of the relationship between Kit and Pippa was a rocky one. Kit remembered Pippa very well - he's compared other women to her for years. His brother wants Kit to marry a young woman he picked out, but Kit isn't interested. He only has eyes for Pippa. Meanwhile, Pippa resists Kit as hard as she can. She is seven years older than he is, was reviled by her husband because she didn't give him a child, and doesn't want to risk another marriage. She does everything she can to push Kit away. I ached for Kit because he loves Pippa, but he can't get through to her. I loved that her age and childlessness didn't bother him at all. There were some emotional scenes as he tried to convince her of his love. Pippa frequently frustrated me with her refusal to give him a chance. Her husband's cruelty deeply affected her self-confidence. I wanted to shake her each time she lied to him about her feelings. I loved how she received some eye-opening advice from Anne and some unexpected help when she decided. The ending was terrific. I would have liked an epilogue to see where they ended up.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe
Catherine seeks help from a mysterious Spaniard to free her father in time for Christmas!
1554 - Queen Mary and King Philip. It is early in Queen Mary's reign, shortly after her marriage to Philip. This is a happy time for her: a rebellion against her rule has been stopped, she expects her first child (she believes), and it is Christmas. It's not all sweetness and light - the English resent the presence of her husband's Spanish countrymen, and intrigue still runs rampant.
Catherine and her mother, a former lady-in-waiting to the Queen's mother, travel to London at the Queen's request. Catherine's father resides in prison, accused of participating in the rebellion. Catherine and Elena hope that the Queen will help them. Don Diego is another recent arrival at Court. He is on a secret mission to gather intelligence about threats to the Queen.
I liked the development of the romance between Catherine and Diego. Drawn together from the moment they met, both are initially cautious. Catherine believes that the wealthy and handsome Diego is beyond her reach, especially with her father's imprisonment. Diego knows the truth about her father's situation and tries to stay away for her protection. The holiday revelries throw them together fairly often, and they find much in common, including a growing attraction. I loved Diego's kindness, and there are several sweet scenes of them together.
Intrigue swirls around the court, and Catherine finds herself the focus of several warnings. A former neighbor makes a nuisance of himself, and I felt Catherine's unease whenever she was around him. Her mother reminds her of their precarious position, telling Catherine to be on guard. But when Catherine gets caught up in another attempt on the Queen, will Diego be able to save her? I loved the ending, with Catherine's strength of will and Diego's determination. Their big moment shows excellent potential for their future.
December 23, 2020
Three Christmas-romance novellas spaced across three different time periods of the Tudor era - end of Richard II's reign / beginning of Henry VII's, the first Christmas that Anna of Cleves spent in England post-divorce, and the first Christmas of Queen Mary I's reign.
Each story features a fictional couple mingling with the historical figures of the time period - more romance novel than historical fiction in style, with the stories emphasizing the romance of each pair, rather than events and culture of the time period. I would have liked more Christmas stuff, but I did enjoy how these stories did look at some parts of the Tudor time period usually skipped over, such as just how weird Christmas with Richard III would have been, and what Christmas would have been like for Mary I when things were going well, before everything went downhill.
Fun romances with enjoyable settings.
December 28, 2020
Due to the shortened length of these stories, they didn’t really work for me. They didn’t really have enough of an opportunity to to fully explain the historical background of the royal families of around whom the stories revolve. And there really isn’t enough of an opportunity for the stories to fully develop the romantic relationships of the two protagonists beyond that of chaste kisses. I’m not even sure what the second story had to do about Christmas time—except for that it was winter. The third story—by Amanda McCabe—was probably my favorite of the three. She does a wonderful job of describing the scenery and making scenery sparkle, and there is a bit of intrigue in her story. The first story revolves around Richard III, who is just plain cruel to those in his court.
October 8, 2020
I enjoyed this trio of stories! I wish they had each been longer so I could get to know the characters even better.
Personally, I’m on the other side of the Richard III debate from Blythe Gifford, but I still enjoyed Christmas at Court. I had to suspend disbelief to follow her plot structure and believe in the romance, but it was still a sweet love story.
My favorite was the third one, His Mistletoe Lady. Amanda McCabe managed to create depth and avoid too much plot repetition, even in a short novella.
Overall, an enjoyable escape read! It is fun to read Tudor fiction without committing to a full-length Alison Weir or Philippa Gregory novel!
Personally, I’m on the other side of the Richard III debate from Blythe Gifford, but I still enjoyed Christmas at Court. I had to suspend disbelief to follow her plot structure and believe in the romance, but it was still a sweet love story.
My favorite was the third one, His Mistletoe Lady. Amanda McCabe managed to create depth and avoid too much plot repetition, even in a short novella.
Overall, an enjoyable escape read! It is fun to read Tudor fiction without committing to a full-length Alison Weir or Philippa Gregory novel!
November 26, 2022
There are 3 stories in this book. I really enjoyed the first one. The second two were so-so. If you know me, you know I love the Tudor era. I usually read books based on the actual historical figures of that time frame. These stories were just fictionalized characters living among these real life historical figures. It was interesting to read stories based in that time frame that didn't revolve specifically around these figures! If you aren't a Tudor lover, you may still find some enjoyment out of these stories if you're a romance lover! :)
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September 24, 2020Categories
Historical Romance, Holiday Romance, Romance Collections & Anthologies, Tudor Historical Romance
Historical Romance, Holiday Romance, Romance Collections & Anthologies, Tudor Historical Romance
October 12, 2020
i just love christmas stories, and with 3 stories in one book this was perfection. my favorite was Catherine and Deigo! Such a wonderful book.
October 20, 2020
3 fun Christmas stories from 3 different authors. I enjoyed each one.
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November 22, 2020Christmas at Court by Blythe Gifford
This was a heartwarming Christmas story of an arranged betrothal and interesting historical context. I approve!
This was a heartwarming Christmas story of an arranged betrothal and interesting historical context. I approve!
December 14, 2022
Sweet and fun.
January 2, 2023
Detailed review to come...
April 11, 2023
Christmas and the Tudors ala Harlequin - three novellas to enjoy when you are in the mood for a holiday read.
I received an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review.
I received an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review.
October 5, 2020
Tudor Christmas Tidings is an anthology of three novellas celebrating Christmas at various points during the Holiday season. I have to admit, I’ve been looking forward to reading this anthology since I’m a huge Tudor buff -- like super huge -- like it was my focus in College. I’ve always loved the period and I was excited that this book was going to cover some of the lesser known times in Tudor history.
As I do with all anthologies, I’m going to review each story individually and then average it to get my final star total.
Here we go!
Christmas at Court - Blythe Clifford
Initially set not long after the death of Edward IV and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower, this story follows Alice and John as they navigate Christmas in Richard III’s court. Betrothed by their families to aid in Henry Tudor’s claim, they must determine if the other is to be trusted or if their feelings and words are false.
I liked this story from Blythe Clifford. I could tell it was well researched (yay sumptuary laws). The Lancaster family uniting with a avowed Yorkist one is interesting. I liked Alice throughout most of the novella and John was okay. But I felt like the story was more about the history and not enough about the romance. Basically, It was good. Four stars.
Secrets of the Queen’s Lady - Jenni Fletcher
Long ago, Pippa helped a young Kit find his way in Henry Tudor’s court. Now several years later they meet again, this time with Pippa a widow and a lady in Anne of Cleves household and him a career diplomat in Henry VIII’s service. Kit’s there to extend the invitation for the king’s beloved sister and her household to join him at court for the Christmas festivities. Will Pippa and Kit overcome the obstacles in their way to find the path to true love.
I... didn’t like this story. At all. As much as I’m here for older woman/younger man relationships and I’m 100% here for children not being every couple’s HEA, I was not here for all of the contrivances and deus ex machina’s that existed in this story. Like seriously, there were so many... from the initial meeting to pretty much every meeting there after. Even the ending was a deus ex machina with a previously antagonistic character, like I’m talking the story’s primary antagonist, deciding for no good reason that they’ll help the two lovers be together. This is after they’ve tried to keep them apart, and there’s no good reason for the heel-face revolution. I also didn’t like Pippa or Kit very much. Pippa was very passive in her own story and Kit was way too impetuous. This was also the story where I found the most egregious historical inaccuracy.. I did like Anne of Cleves (she’s one of my favorites of Henry’s queens... behind Catherine Parr and Anne Boleyn) she reminded me a lot of of Elsa Lancaster in the Private Lives of Henry VIII -- which was good since that’s who the author based her off of). But even an awesome Anne couldn’t save this.
Two stars.
His Mistletoe Lady - Amanda McCabe
Not long after Wyatt’s Rebellion, Catherine and her mother journey to Queen Mary’s court to celebrate the holiday season. There, they hope to find a way to free Catherine’s father who has been branded a traitor, but little do they know just how much of their fate is tied up with the mysterious Diego, a new courtier from the Spanish courts.
I liked this story quite a lot. It had the best and most believable romance arc of the three stories in this book and I felt it had the best characters. I really liked Diego and Catherine and I liked that Catherine very much had agency in her choices. I also liked the historical parallels between characters that were changed enough that unless you are super familiar with the history you wouldn’t notice them. It was nice seeing a story where Mary I isn’t vilified and where you can see her for the often kind woman she was. Because she was kind, kinder in several ways than either of her siblings or her father. Basically, I really felt this was the best story in the bunch.
Five stars.
All of the stories feature some mild kissing and period appropriate cursing. There is implied sex, but nothing is seen on the page.
This was a fun little read before the holidays.
3.66667 stars rounded up to Four Stars
I received an arc via NetGalley
As I do with all anthologies, I’m going to review each story individually and then average it to get my final star total.
Here we go!
Christmas at Court - Blythe Clifford
Initially set not long after the death of Edward IV and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower, this story follows Alice and John as they navigate Christmas in Richard III’s court. Betrothed by their families to aid in Henry Tudor’s claim, they must determine if the other is to be trusted or if their feelings and words are false.
I liked this story from Blythe Clifford. I could tell it was well researched (yay sumptuary laws). The Lancaster family uniting with a avowed Yorkist one is interesting. I liked Alice throughout most of the novella and John was okay. But I felt like the story was more about the history and not enough about the romance. Basically, It was good. Four stars.
Secrets of the Queen’s Lady - Jenni Fletcher
Long ago, Pippa helped a young Kit find his way in Henry Tudor’s court. Now several years later they meet again, this time with Pippa a widow and a lady in Anne of Cleves household and him a career diplomat in Henry VIII’s service. Kit’s there to extend the invitation for the king’s beloved sister and her household to join him at court for the Christmas festivities. Will Pippa and Kit overcome the obstacles in their way to find the path to true love.
I... didn’t like this story. At all. As much as I’m here for older woman/younger man relationships and I’m 100% here for children not being every couple’s HEA, I was not here for all of the contrivances and deus ex machina’s that existed in this story. Like seriously, there were so many... from the initial meeting to pretty much every meeting there after. Even the ending was a deus ex machina with a previously antagonistic character, like I’m talking the story’s primary antagonist, deciding for no good reason that they’ll help the two lovers be together. This is after they’ve tried to keep them apart, and there’s no good reason for the heel-face revolution. I also didn’t like Pippa or Kit very much. Pippa was very passive in her own story and Kit was way too impetuous. This was also the story where I found the most egregious historical inaccuracy.. I did like Anne of Cleves (she’s one of my favorites of Henry’s queens... behind Catherine Parr and Anne Boleyn) she reminded me a lot of of Elsa Lancaster in the Private Lives of Henry VIII -- which was good since that’s who the author based her off of). But even an awesome Anne couldn’t save this.
Two stars.
His Mistletoe Lady - Amanda McCabe
Not long after Wyatt’s Rebellion, Catherine and her mother journey to Queen Mary’s court to celebrate the holiday season. There, they hope to find a way to free Catherine’s father who has been branded a traitor, but little do they know just how much of their fate is tied up with the mysterious Diego, a new courtier from the Spanish courts.
I liked this story quite a lot. It had the best and most believable romance arc of the three stories in this book and I felt it had the best characters. I really liked Diego and Catherine and I liked that Catherine very much had agency in her choices. I also liked the historical parallels between characters that were changed enough that unless you are super familiar with the history you wouldn’t notice them. It was nice seeing a story where Mary I isn’t vilified and where you can see her for the often kind woman she was. Because she was kind, kinder in several ways than either of her siblings or her father. Basically, I really felt this was the best story in the bunch.
Five stars.
All of the stories feature some mild kissing and period appropriate cursing. There is implied sex, but nothing is seen on the page.
This was a fun little read before the holidays.
3.66667 stars rounded up to Four Stars
I received an arc via NetGalley
October 2, 2020
Tudor Christmas Tidings is an anthology written by Jenni Fletcher, Blythe Gifford, and Amanda McCabe.
Christmas at Court by Blythe Gifford
Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice, complete strangers to each other, have to become betrothed allying their families. They are secretly plotting against King Richard, hoping that King Henry will successfully take his throne back. By allying their families they hope it would keep each of them loyal to the cause.
The story takes place over three years with John and Alice only seeing each other at Christmas time. That may not be much time, but it's enough for them to realise that they are very much attracted to each other. They can't even begin to think of actually getting married until Henry has taken his throne back. When that happens will they go through with the wedding, or is it just lust they are feeling, not love. If allowed to break the betrothal, will they do just that?
For me, there wasn't enough romance. It took second place to the machinations of life at court and King Henry and King Richard's battle for the throne. It was still nice to read.
I rate this 3 stars.
Secrets of the Queen’s Lady by Jenni Fletcher
After Anne of Cleves was cast off by King Henry he treated her like a much-loved sister and set her up with her a court in Richmond. One of her ladies in waiting is Lady Pippa, a 30 something widow. This story focuses on her and a man 8 years her junior, Kit, a diplomat who has returned from abroad. They had previously met when he was a teenager and was visiting court. She helped him find his way and he never forgot her kindness. He has returned now and there is a strong attraction between them both. One that she wants to ignore because he is too young for her, she thinks that he can do much better than her. Plus she never wants to marry again after the horrendous marriage she had previously suffered. Kit, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to have a future with her. Will he change her mind, or is she destined to be alone forever.
I enjoyed this story because Pippa is such a lovely woman who has suffered much. She deserves the happiness Kit can bring her if only she were to give in and stop letting her past dictate her future. This had just the perfect amount of romance which wasn't overwhelmed by the King and his court.
Worthy of 4 stars.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe
Catherine Greaves and her mother, a former lady in waiting to Queen Mary have been called to court. They hope to speak with her, to speak up for Catherine's father who has been arrested for taking part in a rebellious plot against the Queen and is held in the Tower of London. Catherine doesn't feel like celebrating, she can't believe her father would do anything against Mary.
Don Diego de Vasquez is a wealthy Spanish lord and courtier. When he and Mary first set eyes on each other they feel an instant attraction to each other. A relationship could be so wonderful between them but Catherine knows that while her father is being held in the Tower, her future isn't going to allow for a relationship with anybody, but especially a Spanish courtier.
She doesn't know the real reason he is at court, or that it involves her father. There are secrets being kept that could change her whole outlook on her future.
I enjoyed the intrigue and subterfuge of this story, not to mention the author's wonderful descriptions of the people in Queen Mary's court. The budding romance between Catherine and Diego was sweet and I love that they were so obviously soulmates who just had to end up together.
5-star rating for this one.
These three stories together made a perfect anthology all set during Tudor times and all involving the Royals of that time. I loved learning about the different celebrations they had, about the clothes they wore, about their hairstyles, just everything. All that and sweet romances make for a fabulous read.
Christmas at Court by Blythe Gifford
Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice, complete strangers to each other, have to become betrothed allying their families. They are secretly plotting against King Richard, hoping that King Henry will successfully take his throne back. By allying their families they hope it would keep each of them loyal to the cause.
The story takes place over three years with John and Alice only seeing each other at Christmas time. That may not be much time, but it's enough for them to realise that they are very much attracted to each other. They can't even begin to think of actually getting married until Henry has taken his throne back. When that happens will they go through with the wedding, or is it just lust they are feeling, not love. If allowed to break the betrothal, will they do just that?
For me, there wasn't enough romance. It took second place to the machinations of life at court and King Henry and King Richard's battle for the throne. It was still nice to read.
I rate this 3 stars.
Secrets of the Queen’s Lady by Jenni Fletcher
After Anne of Cleves was cast off by King Henry he treated her like a much-loved sister and set her up with her a court in Richmond. One of her ladies in waiting is Lady Pippa, a 30 something widow. This story focuses on her and a man 8 years her junior, Kit, a diplomat who has returned from abroad. They had previously met when he was a teenager and was visiting court. She helped him find his way and he never forgot her kindness. He has returned now and there is a strong attraction between them both. One that she wants to ignore because he is too young for her, she thinks that he can do much better than her. Plus she never wants to marry again after the horrendous marriage she had previously suffered. Kit, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to have a future with her. Will he change her mind, or is she destined to be alone forever.
I enjoyed this story because Pippa is such a lovely woman who has suffered much. She deserves the happiness Kit can bring her if only she were to give in and stop letting her past dictate her future. This had just the perfect amount of romance which wasn't overwhelmed by the King and his court.
Worthy of 4 stars.
His Mistletoe Lady by Amanda McCabe
Catherine Greaves and her mother, a former lady in waiting to Queen Mary have been called to court. They hope to speak with her, to speak up for Catherine's father who has been arrested for taking part in a rebellious plot against the Queen and is held in the Tower of London. Catherine doesn't feel like celebrating, she can't believe her father would do anything against Mary.
Don Diego de Vasquez is a wealthy Spanish lord and courtier. When he and Mary first set eyes on each other they feel an instant attraction to each other. A relationship could be so wonderful between them but Catherine knows that while her father is being held in the Tower, her future isn't going to allow for a relationship with anybody, but especially a Spanish courtier.
She doesn't know the real reason he is at court, or that it involves her father. There are secrets being kept that could change her whole outlook on her future.
I enjoyed the intrigue and subterfuge of this story, not to mention the author's wonderful descriptions of the people in Queen Mary's court. The budding romance between Catherine and Diego was sweet and I love that they were so obviously soulmates who just had to end up together.
5-star rating for this one.
These three stories together made a perfect anthology all set during Tudor times and all involving the Royals of that time. I loved learning about the different celebrations they had, about the clothes they wore, about their hairstyles, just everything. All that and sweet romances make for a fabulous read.
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