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Plantagenet Embers Novellas #2
Once a Queen: A Story of Elizabeth Woodville
Elizabeth Woodville is tormented by impossible choices.
Her husband is dead, and her sons have disappeared. Should she gamble her future upon her daughter, Bess, and a Tudor exile? Or should she trust her brother-in-law who has stolen the throne from her son?
Faced with events she cannot control, Elizabeth is forced to trust others in a way she never has before, sometimes with tragic consequences. She was once a queen, but now she is at the mercy of Fortune's Wheel, which seems to be turning at the beckoning of her enemies.
Elizabeth's story is a poignant tale of love, loss, and betrayal during the birth of the Tudor dynasty.
Once a Queen is a Plantagenet Embers novella and companion to 'Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen: The Story of Elizabeth of York'. Now, read Elizabeth Woodville's side of the story.
'Wilcoxson is BRILLIANT at capturing Elizabeth. She wrote Elizabeth with amazing complexity: one one hand fragile and tender and tormented while being cold and cruel and hard as nails on the other. I don't know how she created that balance, but it's perfection.' ~ Author Stephanie Churchill
Her husband is dead, and her sons have disappeared. Should she gamble her future upon her daughter, Bess, and a Tudor exile? Or should she trust her brother-in-law who has stolen the throne from her son?
Faced with events she cannot control, Elizabeth is forced to trust others in a way she never has before, sometimes with tragic consequences. She was once a queen, but now she is at the mercy of Fortune's Wheel, which seems to be turning at the beckoning of her enemies.
Elizabeth's story is a poignant tale of love, loss, and betrayal during the birth of the Tudor dynasty.
Once a Queen is a Plantagenet Embers novella and companion to 'Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen: The Story of Elizabeth of York'. Now, read Elizabeth Woodville's side of the story.
'Wilcoxson is BRILLIANT at capturing Elizabeth. She wrote Elizabeth with amazing complexity: one one hand fragile and tender and tormented while being cold and cruel and hard as nails on the other. I don't know how she created that balance, but it's perfection.' ~ Author Stephanie Churchill
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
201 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Wilcoxson
20 books420 followersWriter, history enthusiast, and sufferer of wanderlust, Samantha strives to reveal the deep emotions and motivations of historical figures, enabling readers to connect with them in a unique way. She can frequently be found lakeside with a book in one hand and glass of wine in the other.
New Release: James Alexander Hamilton: Son of the American Revolution, published by Pen & Sword History
WIP: Wars of the Roses trilogy, published by Sapere Books
New Release: James Alexander Hamilton: Son of the American Revolution, published by Pen & Sword History
WIP: Wars of the Roses trilogy, published by Sapere Books
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 27, 2018
I was introduced to Samantha Wilcoxson’s writing with her first novel, Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen, and I instantly became intrigued by this author’s quiet, beautiful writing. I have since become more familiar with the author and the passion that drives her writing. She has set out to “humanize the villain” as she calls it. She is a firm believer that no single figure from history should be painted with colors making them completely evil or saintly. Every person has complexities, mixed motivations, and was, by turns, both an actuator and a victim of the times in which he or she lived. Her first book very much did that for me, turning me on to a softer, more sympathetic side to Henry Tudor, a man I had previous despised.
Along with Henry Tudor, her first book also sheds light on Edward IV’s daughter, Elizabeth of York, the young woman who must wed the new Tudor king. The book seeks to explore how a princess of House York could survive the utter devastation of her family while marrying the man responsible for that devastation. In the process, we get glimpses of Bess’s (as the author refers to Elizabeth for the sake of clarity) often-deprecated mother, Elizabeth Woodville. Again, I’m guilty as the next person, having never really understood or been sympathetic to Elizabeth Woodville. PPTQ was written from the perspective of Bess, however, so we see Woodville in this book from an incomplete perspective, that of her young, grieving daughter.
Once A Queen is an absolute complement to the first book because it nicely rounds out the story begun in PPTQ. Told from Elizabeth’s Woodville’s perspective, it provides the full canvas of explanation for the actions that Bess’s mother took and decisions she made. Moments that Bess may have misunderstood in the first book are more fully explained using Woodville’s reasoning, and finally the events make sense. Reading the book was quite an “ah-ha” moment for me.
Wilcoxson is brilliant at capturing Elizabeth. Elizabeth woman is fragile and tender and tormented, but she is also at times, cold and cruel and hard as nails. Her character is written with such a crazy depth of emotion even while showcasing her political acumen ... well, maybe the political acumen required for survival as a woman who has nothing without the power she is allowed to wield. The dichotomy hit in her characterization was so well done.
The author’s writing is not action-forward but is more contemplative, thoughtful, nutrient-rich and nourishing. It’s almost literary in that it’s understated and should be consumed by lovers of words who like to linger over phrases and thoughts. Anyone who reads quickly, rushing through just to eat up the plot, will miss the elegance of the author’s style.
For such a short read, there is much packed into the story. A must-read for lovers of historical fiction, for lovers of the Wars of the Roses, and for lovers of beautiful prose.
Along with Henry Tudor, her first book also sheds light on Edward IV’s daughter, Elizabeth of York, the young woman who must wed the new Tudor king. The book seeks to explore how a princess of House York could survive the utter devastation of her family while marrying the man responsible for that devastation. In the process, we get glimpses of Bess’s (as the author refers to Elizabeth for the sake of clarity) often-deprecated mother, Elizabeth Woodville. Again, I’m guilty as the next person, having never really understood or been sympathetic to Elizabeth Woodville. PPTQ was written from the perspective of Bess, however, so we see Woodville in this book from an incomplete perspective, that of her young, grieving daughter.
Once A Queen is an absolute complement to the first book because it nicely rounds out the story begun in PPTQ. Told from Elizabeth’s Woodville’s perspective, it provides the full canvas of explanation for the actions that Bess’s mother took and decisions she made. Moments that Bess may have misunderstood in the first book are more fully explained using Woodville’s reasoning, and finally the events make sense. Reading the book was quite an “ah-ha” moment for me.
Wilcoxson is brilliant at capturing Elizabeth. Elizabeth woman is fragile and tender and tormented, but she is also at times, cold and cruel and hard as nails. Her character is written with such a crazy depth of emotion even while showcasing her political acumen ... well, maybe the political acumen required for survival as a woman who has nothing without the power she is allowed to wield. The dichotomy hit in her characterization was so well done.
The author’s writing is not action-forward but is more contemplative, thoughtful, nutrient-rich and nourishing. It’s almost literary in that it’s understated and should be consumed by lovers of words who like to linger over phrases and thoughts. Anyone who reads quickly, rushing through just to eat up the plot, will miss the elegance of the author’s style.
For such a short read, there is much packed into the story. A must-read for lovers of historical fiction, for lovers of the Wars of the Roses, and for lovers of beautiful prose.
January 1, 2019
After reading how she was portrayed in the first chapters of Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen, I was a bit worried Elizabeth Woodville would not be portrayed too kindly in this series. I was wrong! This author manages to be fair and balanced to both EW and Richard III (both in this novella and her fiction as a whole)- a rare feat!
June 7, 2020
The Woodville family was certainly a “love them or hate” – lot. Some viewed the family as upstarts and hated Elizabeth Woodville for catching the eye of King Edward IV and becoming queen. Some felt pity for the disappearance of the princes Richard and Edward. While other were thankful for Princess Elizabeth uniting York and Lancaster when she married King Henry VII. However one feels; the Woodvilles were certainly the talk of the town and still are, even today. Samantha Wilcoxson focuses on Elizabeth Woodville in the novella, “Once a Queen: A Story of Elizabeth Woodville”.
Unlike the novella “The Last Lancastrian” which served as a prequel to the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ novel, “Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen”; “Once a Queen” is a companion/supplement narrative flowing alongside the novel but from the perspective of Elizabeth Woodville (Elizabeth of York’s mother). In fact, “Once a Queen” is suggested to be read after the novel as it contains spoilers and alternate hypothesis that could otherwise confuse reader if read beforehand. Wilcoxson even includes exact passages from “Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen” in “Once a Queen” but elaborates on Elizabeth Woodville’s actions and view rather than her daughter’s psyche and thoughts. This helps to create a fuller look and understanding of all the events that took place.
“Once a Queen” feels slightly ‘forced’ and rushed, lacking the organic ease of its predecessor novella, “The Last Lancastrian”. Wilcoxson admits to not building a secure connection with Elizabeth Woodville making the absence of this foundation quite evident on the pages of “Once a Queen”. Simply, readers can tell which characters Wilcoxson meshes with and which are surrounded by boundaries as these are passed along in the narrative.
Wilcoxson highlights “Once a Queen” as a retelling and alternate history exploring “could have” – speculation. The events within the story are therefore meant to provoke possibilities and are not a definitive historical account or recap. Those readers preferring a heavy focus on history and being experts on the subject may find some of Wilcoson’s streams to be too exaggerated and best to be taken with a grain of salt.
The conclusion of “Once a Queen” is flat and devoid of any emotive energy but it does play well with “Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen” and encourages readers to switch off between the novel and novella. Wilcoxson strengthens “Once a Queen” with an afterward, suggested reading, and an author’s note.
“Once a Queen” is an alternate take on Elizabeth Woodville and her scheming of events that is meant more for historical entertainment than a firm recap. “Once a Queen” is a quick, one-hour read suggested for readers of the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ series.
Unlike the novella “The Last Lancastrian” which served as a prequel to the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ novel, “Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen”; “Once a Queen” is a companion/supplement narrative flowing alongside the novel but from the perspective of Elizabeth Woodville (Elizabeth of York’s mother). In fact, “Once a Queen” is suggested to be read after the novel as it contains spoilers and alternate hypothesis that could otherwise confuse reader if read beforehand. Wilcoxson even includes exact passages from “Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen” in “Once a Queen” but elaborates on Elizabeth Woodville’s actions and view rather than her daughter’s psyche and thoughts. This helps to create a fuller look and understanding of all the events that took place.
“Once a Queen” feels slightly ‘forced’ and rushed, lacking the organic ease of its predecessor novella, “The Last Lancastrian”. Wilcoxson admits to not building a secure connection with Elizabeth Woodville making the absence of this foundation quite evident on the pages of “Once a Queen”. Simply, readers can tell which characters Wilcoxson meshes with and which are surrounded by boundaries as these are passed along in the narrative.
Wilcoxson highlights “Once a Queen” as a retelling and alternate history exploring “could have” – speculation. The events within the story are therefore meant to provoke possibilities and are not a definitive historical account or recap. Those readers preferring a heavy focus on history and being experts on the subject may find some of Wilcoson’s streams to be too exaggerated and best to be taken with a grain of salt.
The conclusion of “Once a Queen” is flat and devoid of any emotive energy but it does play well with “Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen” and encourages readers to switch off between the novel and novella. Wilcoxson strengthens “Once a Queen” with an afterward, suggested reading, and an author’s note.
“Once a Queen” is an alternate take on Elizabeth Woodville and her scheming of events that is meant more for historical entertainment than a firm recap. “Once a Queen” is a quick, one-hour read suggested for readers of the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ series.
March 2, 2018
A Relatable Elizabeth Woodville
I absolutely love seeing Elizabeth vulnerable, unsure, and aging. Seeing her this way makes it easier to understand the motives behind her actions.
Another must read from Samantha Wilcox!
I absolutely love seeing Elizabeth vulnerable, unsure, and aging. Seeing her this way makes it easier to understand the motives behind her actions.
Another must read from Samantha Wilcox!
April 4, 2018
Absolutely wonderful!
'Once A Queen' is a novella that tells of Elizabeth Woodville, widow of Edward IV, from the time of the accession of Richard III until her death. Being very familiar with this period of history and with Shakespeare's version of the story, I was delighted to find that this book had been researched quite well, and that the author had not simply settled for the 'Richard was a very bad man' interpretation of history.
Instead, Wilcoxson develops her theory of events and those responsible in subtle yet persuasive ways, drawing the reader into understanding how the alternative theories could very well be true. Of course, it is impossible for us to know who was responsible for the disappearance of Elizabeth's young sons - the princes in the tower, or their eventual fate. It is, however, most refreshing to find intelligent and plausible historical fiction that embraces the possibilities in such an insightful way.
Wilcoxson brings Elizabeth and her daughters, and the other characters with whom they interacted, to life in glorious colour and depth, skilfully animating them and filling their conversations with emotion, hope, and responses that make the reader feel that they really begin to know them. The narrative flows smoothly, delivering Elizabeth's story with the occasional surprise twist to keep the reader interested and engaged. Indeed, there is nothing cliched or predictable about the way in which the author delivers this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and will definitely read the other books in the author's Plantagenet Embers series.
'Once A Queen' is a novella that tells of Elizabeth Woodville, widow of Edward IV, from the time of the accession of Richard III until her death. Being very familiar with this period of history and with Shakespeare's version of the story, I was delighted to find that this book had been researched quite well, and that the author had not simply settled for the 'Richard was a very bad man' interpretation of history.
Instead, Wilcoxson develops her theory of events and those responsible in subtle yet persuasive ways, drawing the reader into understanding how the alternative theories could very well be true. Of course, it is impossible for us to know who was responsible for the disappearance of Elizabeth's young sons - the princes in the tower, or their eventual fate. It is, however, most refreshing to find intelligent and plausible historical fiction that embraces the possibilities in such an insightful way.
Wilcoxson brings Elizabeth and her daughters, and the other characters with whom they interacted, to life in glorious colour and depth, skilfully animating them and filling their conversations with emotion, hope, and responses that make the reader feel that they really begin to know them. The narrative flows smoothly, delivering Elizabeth's story with the occasional surprise twist to keep the reader interested and engaged. Indeed, there is nothing cliched or predictable about the way in which the author delivers this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and will definitely read the other books in the author's Plantagenet Embers series.
March 22, 2018
I am no stranger to the works of Samantha Wilcoxson, having read all of her previous historical fiction, so I'm qualified to say that Once A Queen: A Story of Elizabeth Woodville shares the strengths of the former works. Once more we enter the mind of a woman who occupied an important spot on the stage of history, but this time we are meeting her after she has been cast from power: a queen whose king has died. The turbulence that follows is experienced entirely from her point of view. She has no window to view secret conspiracies or great battles and she is almost helpless to change the outcome of many of the tumultuous events that threaten her and her family. When she does have the opportunity to intervene, she is faced with the impossible choice of helping one of her children at the expense of another. Wilcoxson's strength is to make the struggle between heart and mind very real to the reader, experienced very much as the dowager queen herself would have: living in a web of messages, conspiracies and lies among different parties which each have their own interest at heart. The writing is lively and the characters are authentic, with the queen herself being suitably pious for her time, but recognizing her own shortcomings compared to others. This story of Elizabeth Woodville ties directly in to Wilcoxson's other novels and novellas in the Plantagenet Embers series and is well worth the time for the added insight into the other novels' storylines and characterizations.
May 31, 2018
I have loved every one of Samantha Wilcoxson's books and Once a Queen: A Story of Elizabeth Woodville is no exception. I enjoyed this novella and loved how the author brought Elizabeth Woodville to life. I was fascinated. I give 4 ½ stars and recommend it.
February 22, 2024
Lots of fiction going on here and I could tell the author isn’t a big fan of my girl Liz. But it was a nice brief little story!
October 19, 2020
A novella about Elizabeth Woodville's life after Edward IV dies and everything she thought was going to happen goes wrong thanks to first Richard III and then Henry VII.
Wilcoxson does an excellent job at showing just how little information Elizabeth had to work with and how backed in a corner she was by the other political players at the time. Also, as events play out Wilcoxson portrays both the exterior of coldness Elizabeth was known for, while also showing the whirl of emotions she all too likely was going through as her family was ripped apart and she was left with more questions than answers about what had happened.
February 1, 2024
Who was Elizabeth Woodville
A quick read that looks at Elizabeth Woodville's life with kindness. In a world ruled by men, Woodville had few options and few supporters when her husband died. Additionally this book urges us to look at Margaret Beaufort and the Duke of Buckingham as the killers of the Princes in the Tower. The books makes a less strong case that either or both boys survived the Tower.
This novel may not be a great piece of literature but it is an entertaining, quick read that presents a number of interesting idea. Worth reading for those interested in the Tudors.
A quick read that looks at Elizabeth Woodville's life with kindness. In a world ruled by men, Woodville had few options and few supporters when her husband died. Additionally this book urges us to look at Margaret Beaufort and the Duke of Buckingham as the killers of the Princes in the Tower. The books makes a less strong case that either or both boys survived the Tower.
This novel may not be a great piece of literature but it is an entertaining, quick read that presents a number of interesting idea. Worth reading for those interested in the Tudors.
July 27, 2018
I very much enjoyed this book as I have for all of Samatha Wilcoxson's efforts. The author writes with sympathy and a different type of understanding of what it "might have been like".
I am very sure that Elizabeth Woodville was not the terrible person the populace made her out to be, her life was a struggle as was all caught up in this "War of the Roses. She loved Edward surely and loved her children also.
It worked well for me. Recommended for all lovers of this period.
I am very sure that Elizabeth Woodville was not the terrible person the populace made her out to be, her life was a struggle as was all caught up in this "War of the Roses. She loved Edward surely and loved her children also.
It worked well for me. Recommended for all lovers of this period.
April 21, 2024
A Different Type
Elizabeth Woodville is a complex character. Did the death of Edward leave her grief to befuddle her ? Or was she as manipulative as she was portrayed? It's harder to relate to her, especially when she was strong in her thinking after her meeting with Margaret Beaufort but then changed in her thinking after her visit with Francis Lovell. Strongly written story about a controversial figure.
Elizabeth Woodville is a complex character. Did the death of Edward leave her grief to befuddle her ? Or was she as manipulative as she was portrayed? It's harder to relate to her, especially when she was strong in her thinking after her meeting with Margaret Beaufort but then changed in her thinking after her visit with Francis Lovell. Strongly written story about a controversial figure.
March 22, 2018
Ideal for mid school readers
I simple and unadorned comment on the ultimate years of Elizabeth Woodville's life.
To produce a novella it is necessary to gloss over or omit
details leaving the barest skeleton of basic information .
Not a very happy experience , but I learned to be more selective before downloading
I simple and unadorned comment on the ultimate years of Elizabeth Woodville's life.
To produce a novella it is necessary to gloss over or omit
details leaving the barest skeleton of basic information .
Not a very happy experience , but I learned to be more selective before downloading
April 6, 2018
Great intro into Elizabeth Woodville
Edward is dead and Elizabeth is in sanctuary with her daughters. This is a highlight take of her remaining years. A small insight into her turbulent life after being England's unpopular queen.
Edward is dead and Elizabeth is in sanctuary with her daughters. This is a highlight take of her remaining years. A small insight into her turbulent life after being England's unpopular queen.
December 5, 2019
Great short little read about Elizabeth Woodville. Nothing really new that I haven't read or seen before and very fast tracked. Seemed to follow the same story line as Philipa Gregory's The White Queen book - but I enjoyed none the less.
October 13, 2022
Gripping
Fantastic book, a must read for any fan of history. Especially York, Tudor, or Plantagenet. Totally hooked from start to finish
Fantastic book, a must read for any fan of history. Especially York, Tudor, or Plantagenet. Totally hooked from start to finish
February 20, 2025
Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of England, was such a powerful women for her time. She wasn't alone, but she made many enemies. This book starts after her husband has died. She has to protect herself and her children. Who can she trust?
A short book. A good story. Worth the read.
A short book. A good story. Worth the read.
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June 29, 2018If you have read as many books on the subject of the royals from 1400-1700 you'd say this is good but nothing that roundly pops out- a different take, a different point of view. It was entertaining. May be I am just done with this period for now and the author and I bumped into each other at the wrong time.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews