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Henry's Spare Queen Trilogy #1
Lady Margaret's Escape
A Desperate Midwife Bargains with a King.
After suffering the loss of her first pregnancy, a son and heir to the English throne, Queen Matilda is once again with child. Overjoyed but cautious of another loss, King Henry seeks a skilled midwife to assist his wife throughout her pregnancy and labor. His search leads him to Margaret.
Margaret, once a woman of rank and leisure, has been betrayed by her father and made a common slave. The king’s dire need for a midwife provides her with an enticing opportunity to escape a life of servitude and return to her previous station, but first she must prove her worth and make a bargain with the devil.
King Henry is reluctant to haggle with the midwife, but when Margaret reveals her suspicions of foul play being the cause of the queen’s previous loss, his mind is made up. Not only will Margaret attend the queen, her fate with be tied to the queen's – and that of their unborn babe. Deliver a healthy heir and King Henry will reward Margaret with the return of her rank, social status and wealth. Fail, and her life will be forfeit.
The two women are sent to a secret forest retreat to wait out Queen Matilda’s confinement away from the conspiracies and dangers of court life. Meanwhile, Henry’s brother Robert invades England to seize Henry’s crown and Margaret begins to fear she has allied herself with the wrong ruler.
Will Margaret earn her freedom…or a severed head?
This novel includes the death of an infant which may be a trigger for some readers.
This series utilizes Old English to better capture the voice of the times. Each book contains a glossary of words and terms you might not recognize.
After suffering the loss of her first pregnancy, a son and heir to the English throne, Queen Matilda is once again with child. Overjoyed but cautious of another loss, King Henry seeks a skilled midwife to assist his wife throughout her pregnancy and labor. His search leads him to Margaret.
Margaret, once a woman of rank and leisure, has been betrayed by her father and made a common slave. The king’s dire need for a midwife provides her with an enticing opportunity to escape a life of servitude and return to her previous station, but first she must prove her worth and make a bargain with the devil.
King Henry is reluctant to haggle with the midwife, but when Margaret reveals her suspicions of foul play being the cause of the queen’s previous loss, his mind is made up. Not only will Margaret attend the queen, her fate with be tied to the queen's – and that of their unborn babe. Deliver a healthy heir and King Henry will reward Margaret with the return of her rank, social status and wealth. Fail, and her life will be forfeit.
The two women are sent to a secret forest retreat to wait out Queen Matilda’s confinement away from the conspiracies and dangers of court life. Meanwhile, Henry’s brother Robert invades England to seize Henry’s crown and Margaret begins to fear she has allied herself with the wrong ruler.
Will Margaret earn her freedom…or a severed head?
This novel includes the death of an infant which may be a trigger for some readers.
This series utilizes Old English to better capture the voice of the times. Each book contains a glossary of words and terms you might not recognize.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 9, 2020
Lady Margaret of Royal Oaks has been forsaken by her father. Now living as her household's chatelaine, Margaret wishes for a way of escape and freedom. An unexpected visit by King Henry I allows Margaret to bargain for her freedom. The King came to Royal Oaks looking for her mother, an esteemed healer and midwife after the stillbirth of the Queen's son. Margaret's mother has passed, but Margaret has been trained well and convinces the King that she will be able to safely deliver the Queen's child. If Margaret is able to help Queen Matilda successfully deliver a child, Margaret will receive three boons from the King, and she knows exactly what to ask. for. However, keeping the Queen happy, healthy and protected is much more difficult than she ever expected.
Set during the tumultuous reign of King Henry I, Lady Margaret's Escape focuses on the women of this time period. Lady Margaret's character grabbed me from the very beginning with her good natured, hard working personality as well as her intelligence and thoughtfulness in all situations. The historical detail described in the book helped to set the scene and brought Royal Oaks alive as well as the keep where Margaret and Matilda were sequestered. These details gave insight as to how life in the 12th century was for day to day operations. I was especially impressed that Margaret at 14 years old was able to hold the responsibility that she did. While the plot's to dethrone Henry were not in the forefront of the story, they did permeate Margaret and Matilda's experience. I do wonder how Margaret gained so much foresight into policy other than keeping a sharp ear. The story ends on huge cliffhanger and I would love to keep reading the series to know what happens in Margaret's life next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Set during the tumultuous reign of King Henry I, Lady Margaret's Escape focuses on the women of this time period. Lady Margaret's character grabbed me from the very beginning with her good natured, hard working personality as well as her intelligence and thoughtfulness in all situations. The historical detail described in the book helped to set the scene and brought Royal Oaks alive as well as the keep where Margaret and Matilda were sequestered. These details gave insight as to how life in the 12th century was for day to day operations. I was especially impressed that Margaret at 14 years old was able to hold the responsibility that she did. While the plot's to dethrone Henry were not in the forefront of the story, they did permeate Margaret and Matilda's experience. I do wonder how Margaret gained so much foresight into policy other than keeping a sharp ear. The story ends on huge cliffhanger and I would love to keep reading the series to know what happens in Margaret's life next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
January 2, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked the story but felt it dragged on a little too long. The relationship between Margaret and Matilda was interesting. I didn't feel like I could really connect with Margaret as much as I wanted to and I don't know why. The story as a whole seemed to be just always on the surface and didn't dive deep enough. Not sure if I will continue on as there are three more books and I don't know that I want to invest the time.
I liked the story but felt it dragged on a little too long. The relationship between Margaret and Matilda was interesting. I didn't feel like I could really connect with Margaret as much as I wanted to and I don't know why. The story as a whole seemed to be just always on the surface and didn't dive deep enough. Not sure if I will continue on as there are three more books and I don't know that I want to invest the time.
November 20, 2020
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“Lady Margaret’s Escape” is a compelling historical fiction with a strong cast.
The highlight of the story is the characters. Lady Margaret is a great protagonist. On one hand, she is strong and not afraid to seize the situation and escape for a better future. On the other hand, she has a vulnerable side to ensure that nothing goes wrong in reclaiming her previous status. This highlight made the book fascinating because it took place when women did not have any power.
Moreover, I loved her volatile relation with Queen Matilda. Both of them shared an exciting dynamic where Margaret has to be on her toes to win her trust. Similarly, she shares a close association with Caitlin. Even the secondary characters like Lady Cecily, Jorgon, Henry, and William, add nicely to the mix.
Similarly, the author compellingly paces the story from start to end. Her dynamic style of writing had me glued to the pages. I found the tale between the Normans and the Saxons fascinating, up until the climax, which revolves around Dena’s pregnancy.
On a side note, I also appreciate the author for including a glossary of characters. As there are numerous characters in the story, it was nice having a reference point. Moreover, the author adds many colloquial terms, which made the dialogues feel authentic to that era. The story nicely sets the pace for the next book, which I look forward to reading. Overall, “Lady Margaret’s Escape” was a lovely start to the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 13, 2020
What a fabulous work of historical fiction! As Lady Margaret succeeds in making her first escape, she leaves the father who had treated her as a slave, forcing her to work as his chatelaine since the death of her mother. But the stakes are high, as she has pledged to offer her neck on the chopping block if she fails to successfully deliver Queen Matilda's child, and King Henry has promised three boons should she succeed. And those she convinced to leave with her may suffer the consequences as well.
Ruled by the changing moods and whims of the pregnant and insecure queen, Margaret's status is constantly in question. Margaret herself vacillates between being in command and being in need of comfort, subject not only to the vagaries of royalty, but the emotional roller coaster of being a fourteen year old with her very life, and the fate of others, depending on her success.
Filled with mundane details as well as those of class and culture, Norman and Saxon relations, and the politics, beliefs and superstitions of the time, this is a history lesson rolled up in a story that keeps the reader glued to the pages. As Lady Margaret fights to survive and regain her status, she must show a maturity beyond her years. While sometimes more childish and occasionally petulant, it is her strength and determination that always shine through.
With an ending that leaves the reader satisfied, Lady Margaret's Escape is an outstanding work of Young Adult Historical Fiction. And it definitely does it's job as the first in a series, leaving the reader ready for more, and wondering how the story will continue - and just who is it that gave Lady Margaret that kiss when she had drunk too much wine when dreading turning into a veritable old maid at the age of fifteen?
Highly recommended for those who love a strong female protagonist and enjoy well written and well researched Historical Fiction, with a note that this story includes death (including that of an infant) and is set in a time when girls and women were powerless to refuse men of higher status.
This review refers to a digital copy I voluntarily received and read. A positive review was not required and these are only my own, honest opinions.
Ruled by the changing moods and whims of the pregnant and insecure queen, Margaret's status is constantly in question. Margaret herself vacillates between being in command and being in need of comfort, subject not only to the vagaries of royalty, but the emotional roller coaster of being a fourteen year old with her very life, and the fate of others, depending on her success.
Filled with mundane details as well as those of class and culture, Norman and Saxon relations, and the politics, beliefs and superstitions of the time, this is a history lesson rolled up in a story that keeps the reader glued to the pages. As Lady Margaret fights to survive and regain her status, she must show a maturity beyond her years. While sometimes more childish and occasionally petulant, it is her strength and determination that always shine through.
With an ending that leaves the reader satisfied, Lady Margaret's Escape is an outstanding work of Young Adult Historical Fiction. And it definitely does it's job as the first in a series, leaving the reader ready for more, and wondering how the story will continue - and just who is it that gave Lady Margaret that kiss when she had drunk too much wine when dreading turning into a veritable old maid at the age of fifteen?
Highly recommended for those who love a strong female protagonist and enjoy well written and well researched Historical Fiction, with a note that this story includes death (including that of an infant) and is set in a time when girls and women were powerless to refuse men of higher status.
This review refers to a digital copy I voluntarily received and read. A positive review was not required and these are only my own, honest opinions.
October 11, 2022
A skilled midwife makes a bargain with a king
I liked the story, but then I realized that the main character wss only 15 and she was supposed to an experienced.midwife sought by the king for his heir. Who has expertise at any skill at merely 15? I read on and just decided that the main character was older, perhaps 25 or 30. There were other plotlines that were far fetched as well. It was a real good storyline,unfortunately it was just too implausible as written.
I liked the story, but then I realized that the main character wss only 15 and she was supposed to an experienced.midwife sought by the king for his heir. Who has expertise at any skill at merely 15? I read on and just decided that the main character was older, perhaps 25 or 30. There were other plotlines that were far fetched as well. It was a real good storyline,unfortunately it was just too implausible as written.
November 29, 2020
This is a wonderfully engrossing historical fiction which is loosely based on historical fact, we follow Margaret a women who has fallen out of favor and from grace and is now toiling away as a slave, at one time she had prestige and respect which came with her station. When she is summoned and requested by King Henry to attend his wife, the Queen during her latest pregnancy she thinks this is her chance to regain her old life back, but she isn’t about to take on the role without a promise of reward and hers would be her old life back, she makes her deal.
I’ve not read this author before, and I am so pleased I got to discover her work with the first of a new series, I am so looking forward to following; Henry’s Spare Queen trilogy. Victoria Sportelli is an incredibly gifted author she pulls you right into each scene with her rich detail and flawless grasp of the history, she brings the story alive with how vivid her writing is, its easy to see that she has done an inordinate amount of research into the life and times of the era.
As it says on the back blurb, Margaret just may have done a deal with the devil himself, as her fate is now entwined with that of the Queen. If she succeeds and the Queen is safely delivered of their bundle of joy then Margaret is safe and can go about her new life once more, but if she fails and something happens she will face the chopping block. Even though she is locked away with the Queen, Margaret is sensing movement in the air and she starts to wonder is she has chosen the right side to alliance herself with.
Has Margaret done the right thing by agreeing to help? Or with her need for freedom, her yearning to escape the life she is living be her downfall? Well, I’m not going to tell you that am I, I will say that there is a cliff-hanger which will have you desperate to read the next book to find out what happens.
I was hooked from the start, even though lady Margaret’s Escape is set during a turbulent time where lies and secrets are all apart of daily life, where two brothers face off for the throne and there is political intrigue everywhere, this is all about the women in the back ground. Yes the dangers of what is going on with Robert trying to dethrone Henry is constantly sitting at the edges of the pages, you get a sense of the danger and animosity bubbling in the background and there are moments where Margaret does think she has chosen sides unwisely which gives the reader of the true sense of danger she could be in if her role as midwife to the Queen doesn’t go as expected.
This is a solid, mesmerizing and addictive read that will keep you flicking through the pages and will keep you guessing, its perfect for those who love historicals which have real historical characters and which revolve around the women of the time. Highly recommend!
I’ve not read this author before, and I am so pleased I got to discover her work with the first of a new series, I am so looking forward to following; Henry’s Spare Queen trilogy. Victoria Sportelli is an incredibly gifted author she pulls you right into each scene with her rich detail and flawless grasp of the history, she brings the story alive with how vivid her writing is, its easy to see that she has done an inordinate amount of research into the life and times of the era.
As it says on the back blurb, Margaret just may have done a deal with the devil himself, as her fate is now entwined with that of the Queen. If she succeeds and the Queen is safely delivered of their bundle of joy then Margaret is safe and can go about her new life once more, but if she fails and something happens she will face the chopping block. Even though she is locked away with the Queen, Margaret is sensing movement in the air and she starts to wonder is she has chosen the right side to alliance herself with.
Has Margaret done the right thing by agreeing to help? Or with her need for freedom, her yearning to escape the life she is living be her downfall? Well, I’m not going to tell you that am I, I will say that there is a cliff-hanger which will have you desperate to read the next book to find out what happens.
I was hooked from the start, even though lady Margaret’s Escape is set during a turbulent time where lies and secrets are all apart of daily life, where two brothers face off for the throne and there is political intrigue everywhere, this is all about the women in the back ground. Yes the dangers of what is going on with Robert trying to dethrone Henry is constantly sitting at the edges of the pages, you get a sense of the danger and animosity bubbling in the background and there are moments where Margaret does think she has chosen sides unwisely which gives the reader of the true sense of danger she could be in if her role as midwife to the Queen doesn’t go as expected.
This is a solid, mesmerizing and addictive read that will keep you flicking through the pages and will keep you guessing, its perfect for those who love historicals which have real historical characters and which revolve around the women of the time. Highly recommend!
July 28, 2022
Choose your poison.
Very well written and researched. This is the first in a trilogy that takes the readers through the exploits of Lady Margaret of Royal Oaks. The book begins with Margaret trying to save her ill mother, but despite Margaret's best effort, her mother succumbs to an unknown illness
Her mother's death brings down Margaret's life. Without her mother's support, she is left defensless against her father, the money hungry Sir Charles, who sees her as chattel. He begins his search for a weathy suitor for his daughter. Unbeknowst to him, his daughter has already given her heart to another. Although a bethroal between the two is drafted, an untrue rumor about Margaret caused that union to be unfulfill.
Knowing her fate if she stays with her family, she gathers her belongings, including her large black Percheron named Night, and a few people from the estate that she trusts and takes off in the middle of the night.
During their getaway, she takes the opportunity to bury a box of potions of her father's.
The group is lucky enough to fall into the entourage of King Edward I and Queen Matilda who is pregnant following the death of an infant a short time back. Since this book is set shortly after William the Conqurer, the mixing of the Normans and the Saxons has not occured and there is much division between the two groups.
King Henry is so impressed with Margaret that he finds places for all of them with Margaret being charged to take care of the Queen throughout her pregnancy and delivery of the much wanted son as an heir to the kingdom.
Because Margaret's maid is pregnant, the parties involved make a plan to ensure that King Henry gets his son. Unfortunately, the prince dies unexpectadly shortly after he is born. A witness comes forward to assert that the baby was poisoned. Margaret immediately remembers the box of poisons she buried, and thinks her father is to blame. At this point, the entire conspiracy falls
apart with Margaret left accused of the murder.
Since this is the first of three books about Margaret, she manages to win King Henry's trust again.
Let the Anarchy begin.
Very well written and researched. This is the first in a trilogy that takes the readers through the exploits of Lady Margaret of Royal Oaks. The book begins with Margaret trying to save her ill mother, but despite Margaret's best effort, her mother succumbs to an unknown illness
Her mother's death brings down Margaret's life. Without her mother's support, she is left defensless against her father, the money hungry Sir Charles, who sees her as chattel. He begins his search for a weathy suitor for his daughter. Unbeknowst to him, his daughter has already given her heart to another. Although a bethroal between the two is drafted, an untrue rumor about Margaret caused that union to be unfulfill.
Knowing her fate if she stays with her family, she gathers her belongings, including her large black Percheron named Night, and a few people from the estate that she trusts and takes off in the middle of the night.
During their getaway, she takes the opportunity to bury a box of potions of her father's.
The group is lucky enough to fall into the entourage of King Edward I and Queen Matilda who is pregnant following the death of an infant a short time back. Since this book is set shortly after William the Conqurer, the mixing of the Normans and the Saxons has not occured and there is much division between the two groups.
King Henry is so impressed with Margaret that he finds places for all of them with Margaret being charged to take care of the Queen throughout her pregnancy and delivery of the much wanted son as an heir to the kingdom.
Because Margaret's maid is pregnant, the parties involved make a plan to ensure that King Henry gets his son. Unfortunately, the prince dies unexpectadly shortly after he is born. A witness comes forward to assert that the baby was poisoned. Margaret immediately remembers the box of poisons she buried, and thinks her father is to blame. At this point, the entire conspiracy falls
apart with Margaret left accused of the murder.
Since this is the first of three books about Margaret, she manages to win King Henry's trust again.
Let the Anarchy begin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
Enjoyable; well written
Victoria Sportelli is a great storyteller! I love the main character, Margaret and am eager to continue this trilogy.
I especially appreciate the prayers offered by Margaret. 'Your will, dear Lord'. I was wishing though, that i could comfort and reassure her that with trusting Jesus, there is no guessing of whether we will be in Heaven. He has promised us that if we believe in Him we will most certainly be with Him the moment we take our last breath here.
Victoria Sportelli is a great storyteller! I love the main character, Margaret and am eager to continue this trilogy.
I especially appreciate the prayers offered by Margaret. 'Your will, dear Lord'. I was wishing though, that i could comfort and reassure her that with trusting Jesus, there is no guessing of whether we will be in Heaven. He has promised us that if we believe in Him we will most certainly be with Him the moment we take our last breath here.
February 13, 2022
Exciting 2nd book of series
Margaret's adventure continues as she oversees Queen Mathilda's care and delivery of her child. Since King Henry kept his word and gave Margaret her boons, I cannot wait and see what happens in the next book.
Margaret's adventure continues as she oversees Queen Mathilda's care and delivery of her child. Since King Henry kept his word and gave Margaret her boons, I cannot wait and see what happens in the next book.
May 18, 2026
Though not a British author I thought VS provided plausibility in her writing of the politics of the court and the royal ambitions of the time. The story was exciting, endearing and suspenseful. After reading this trilogy I am very motivated to read additional portrayals of the period.
October 5, 2026
A cliffhanger With. O definite end. No warning to let the reader know….i hate cliffhangers and would never read an incomplete story. Give warning please and allow the reader to decide if she wants to waste hours on reading a story without any end
March 5, 2022
recommend
I have purchased the set and can’t put it down. The twists are not tropes. I am interested in reading all the rest.
I have purchased the set and can’t put it down. The twists are not tropes. I am interested in reading all the rest.
May 17, 2022
Loved this read!
March 12, 2023
I am loving this series! Very well written, cleverly thought out!
July 27, 2023
Great period piece.
September 22, 2023
Interesting story
Really interesting and kept me reading. I came to care for the characters. Looking forward to starting the next in the series
Really interesting and kept me reading. I came to care for the characters. Looking forward to starting the next in the series
September 27, 2024
Excellent Read
This is a great book, one I kept turning page after page until I was finished! Can’t wait to start the second book!
This is a great book, one I kept turning page after page until I was finished! Can’t wait to start the second book!
September 18, 2026
not my favorite
December 26, 2023
i really enjoyed margaret’s character and the focus on women within the time period of henry I.
this story did not at all go the way i thought it would, but definitely for the better!
this story did not at all go the way i thought it would, but definitely for the better!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews