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Honesty and Lies
London 1601.
Storyteller Honesty, seeking fame and fortune, befriends Alice, a maid to Queen Elizabeth I. But can Alice be trusted?
A tale of friendship, intrigue, scheming and plots set in the spellbinding world of the Elizabethan court.
Storyteller Honesty, seeking fame and fortune, befriends Alice, a maid to Queen Elizabeth I. But can Alice be trusted?
A tale of friendship, intrigue, scheming and plots set in the spellbinding world of the Elizabethan court.
288 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 30, 2023
Thank you net galley for providing me with an arc of Honesty and Lies in exchange for a honest review
A sweet short read perfect for a younger audience as well as anyone wanting to get out of a reading slump. The writing is simple to understand and the characters in the book memorable and unique. The plot was interesting and easy to follow along, and there is definitely potential for this to turn into a series.
A sweet short read perfect for a younger audience as well as anyone wanting to get out of a reading slump. The writing is simple to understand and the characters in the book memorable and unique. The plot was interesting and easy to follow along, and there is definitely potential for this to turn into a series.
November 21, 2022
Enlightening historical drama and story of friendship for tweens/teens.
Tudor times are a fantastic source of stories and settings for wonderful real-life or fictional narratives. They started my own interest in the historical period, they are rich in drama, intrigue and fascinating details.
This gives young adults or older children a chance to explore the period. Through two narrators, we travel to Tudor London. Honesty has run away from her Welsh home and come with little but dreams of a better life to a cold, dirty city. Alice is working for the Queen in one of her palaces, and feels for the girl with hope in her eyes and no food in her belly. Directing her to potential lodgings, Honesty instead decides to follow Alice and brings herself to the attention of someone who allows her a place to live and a role to play.
Honesty can spin a good yarn, and soon wins friends and favours, to the chagrin of her new friend who is hiding shameful secrets of her own, caught up in family plotting she cannot disentangle herself from.
The two girls' very different experiences of life in Greenwich Palace cause their friendship some rupture, and events conspire to lead them both along diverging paths. Where will life take them both? Can their initial connection and friendship survive the trials of court machinations?
The detail is wonderful for young readers, there are plenty of references to things outside of contemporary experience - brushing your teeth with sugar! Taking a water bus/taxi around in London. Attending executions for entertainment. Long hours of menial labour hidden away in sweaty laundry rooms. Beds shared and stinky latrines. It's a wonderful glimpse into Tudor life for the privileged and not-so.
Both girls are sympathetic, both of course flawed and human, with pride and envy on show. The more sordid elements of the story are glossed over a little and not dwelt on, making this less graphic and less troublesome to recommend to more sensitive readers.
Could be wonderful additional reading for children studying Tudor times in school, may encourage many to learn more about the period.
For ages 10-14.
Tudor times are a fantastic source of stories and settings for wonderful real-life or fictional narratives. They started my own interest in the historical period, they are rich in drama, intrigue and fascinating details.
This gives young adults or older children a chance to explore the period. Through two narrators, we travel to Tudor London. Honesty has run away from her Welsh home and come with little but dreams of a better life to a cold, dirty city. Alice is working for the Queen in one of her palaces, and feels for the girl with hope in her eyes and no food in her belly. Directing her to potential lodgings, Honesty instead decides to follow Alice and brings herself to the attention of someone who allows her a place to live and a role to play.
Honesty can spin a good yarn, and soon wins friends and favours, to the chagrin of her new friend who is hiding shameful secrets of her own, caught up in family plotting she cannot disentangle herself from.
The two girls' very different experiences of life in Greenwich Palace cause their friendship some rupture, and events conspire to lead them both along diverging paths. Where will life take them both? Can their initial connection and friendship survive the trials of court machinations?
The detail is wonderful for young readers, there are plenty of references to things outside of contemporary experience - brushing your teeth with sugar! Taking a water bus/taxi around in London. Attending executions for entertainment. Long hours of menial labour hidden away in sweaty laundry rooms. Beds shared and stinky latrines. It's a wonderful glimpse into Tudor life for the privileged and not-so.
Both girls are sympathetic, both of course flawed and human, with pride and envy on show. The more sordid elements of the story are glossed over a little and not dwelt on, making this less graphic and less troublesome to recommend to more sensitive readers.
Could be wonderful additional reading for children studying Tudor times in school, may encourage many to learn more about the period.
For ages 10-14.
August 14, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher as part of an upcoming blog tour in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
HONESTY AND LIES is a lovely historical about the strains put on friendship by luck and lies.
The book is set in and around London and the court of Elizabeth I over the Twelfth Night festivities. I loved seeing the lost palace of Greenwich brought to life. It felt very familiar (I am a regular at Hampton Court Palace) with lots of research clearly done into how different levels of society lived atop one of each other - with some in ignorance of the others' lives. I also loved seeing my part of London (south bank around the Globe) brought to life. Plus Shakespeare is booked to perform his new play, written for the festivities...
Honesty and Alice are very different girls. Despite her name, Honesty is a yarn-spinner, mostly for entertainment. She's also very worldly in some ways but very naïve in others, which leads to a sense on entitlement that drives a wedge between her and Alice. You understand why she feels entitled to the attention and luxury, but also that it's temporary as through her you see the inconstancy of the fickle court, the spite and damage caused.
Alice is the opposite, keeping to the shadows in order to keep her secrets and keep safe. It means she withdraws from people, making it hard to make and keep friendships. She does the work that others don't do in order to stay invisible, and that leads to resentment. And that resentment also poisons relationships.
I liked that both girls were equally at fault for the relationship issues and both had to change and confront matters in order to rescue it. However, as I am more of an Alice than an Honesty, I was more on Alice's side! I suspect that different people will lean more towards one than the other depending on how much of themselves they see in the girls.
HONESTY AND LIES is a lovely historical about the strains put on friendship by luck and lies.
The book is set in and around London and the court of Elizabeth I over the Twelfth Night festivities. I loved seeing the lost palace of Greenwich brought to life. It felt very familiar (I am a regular at Hampton Court Palace) with lots of research clearly done into how different levels of society lived atop one of each other - with some in ignorance of the others' lives. I also loved seeing my part of London (south bank around the Globe) brought to life. Plus Shakespeare is booked to perform his new play, written for the festivities...
Honesty and Alice are very different girls. Despite her name, Honesty is a yarn-spinner, mostly for entertainment. She's also very worldly in some ways but very naïve in others, which leads to a sense on entitlement that drives a wedge between her and Alice. You understand why she feels entitled to the attention and luxury, but also that it's temporary as through her you see the inconstancy of the fickle court, the spite and damage caused.
Alice is the opposite, keeping to the shadows in order to keep her secrets and keep safe. It means she withdraws from people, making it hard to make and keep friendships. She does the work that others don't do in order to stay invisible, and that leads to resentment. And that resentment also poisons relationships.
I liked that both girls were equally at fault for the relationship issues and both had to change and confront matters in order to rescue it. However, as I am more of an Alice than an Honesty, I was more on Alice's side! I suspect that different people will lean more towards one than the other depending on how much of themselves they see in the girls.
November 8, 2022
Honesty & Lies
by Eloise Williams
published by Firefly Press [2022[
ISBN 9781913102999
Honesty & Lies is former Wales Children’s Laureate, Eloise Williams, fifth novel for successful Welsh publisher, Firefly Press. With books likes Honesty & Lies on its list, I can see why, and also why Williams’ storytelling skills make her a hit with all the school children she engages with across the UK.
As a writer for adults, and one who has failed miserably to write for a younger audience (my granddaughters told me my one and only attempt was ‘very boring’ which is about the biggest sin you could commit) I applaud the way Williams can capture and retain interest throughout 230 pages of accessible text that is no way dumbed down.
Honesty & Lies, set in London in 1601, tells the stories of Honesty, a young Welsh girl escaping Wales and the secret of an arranged marriage in her past, and Alice, a London-born girl and servant to Elizabeth 1 at Greenwich palace involved in a dark secret in the present.
Honesty and Alice are given distinctive voices by Williams, who allows each to tell their unique tale and reveal their individual personality and drive the narrative forward through first person, present tense, interwoven chapters. This makes for a very immersive experience for the reader who gets to understand the inner motives and complexity of character of each of the girls who have their friendship tested in the novel. The present tense also draws the reader in to the sights, sounds and smells, of Elizabethan London, as though you are experiencing the city first-hand.
The novel is told at a breathless pace, zipping along with humour and sadness and not shying away from the serious issues of gender inequality and homelessness and poverty. It gives a deep historical insight into the first Elizabethan Age in London through fiction that wears its research lightly.
Llongyfarchiadau Eloise!
by Eloise Williams
published by Firefly Press [2022[
ISBN 9781913102999
Honesty & Lies is former Wales Children’s Laureate, Eloise Williams, fifth novel for successful Welsh publisher, Firefly Press. With books likes Honesty & Lies on its list, I can see why, and also why Williams’ storytelling skills make her a hit with all the school children she engages with across the UK.
As a writer for adults, and one who has failed miserably to write for a younger audience (my granddaughters told me my one and only attempt was ‘very boring’ which is about the biggest sin you could commit) I applaud the way Williams can capture and retain interest throughout 230 pages of accessible text that is no way dumbed down.
Honesty & Lies, set in London in 1601, tells the stories of Honesty, a young Welsh girl escaping Wales and the secret of an arranged marriage in her past, and Alice, a London-born girl and servant to Elizabeth 1 at Greenwich palace involved in a dark secret in the present.
Honesty and Alice are given distinctive voices by Williams, who allows each to tell their unique tale and reveal their individual personality and drive the narrative forward through first person, present tense, interwoven chapters. This makes for a very immersive experience for the reader who gets to understand the inner motives and complexity of character of each of the girls who have their friendship tested in the novel. The present tense also draws the reader in to the sights, sounds and smells, of Elizabethan London, as though you are experiencing the city first-hand.
The novel is told at a breathless pace, zipping along with humour and sadness and not shying away from the serious issues of gender inequality and homelessness and poverty. It gives a deep historical insight into the first Elizabethan Age in London through fiction that wears its research lightly.
Llongyfarchiadau Eloise!
August 15, 2022
Honesty and Lies.
Honesty is a welsh girl, no more than 13yrs, who travels to London to escape an arranged marriage with a much older man. Arriving, she is taken aback by the dirt, stink and the chaotic hustle and bustle of the streets. She needs her wits to keep her purse and life in this place. Will her quick tongue and a way with stories be any help? Fleeing from an attacker, she runs into Alice, a girl of about the same age, who it seems is a maid of some import at Queen Elizabeth's court.
Honesty realises Alice is key to gaining work and safety, so she follows h r into the grounds of Greenwich Palace. In so doing, Honesty foils an attempt on the queen's life. Her reward is to get to be a maid with Alice. And so begins a journey that starts out of Alice's need, then twists and turns through skullduggery, betrayal, treason, envy, lost friendships, and rivalries created.
While Honesty doesn't want her past catching up with her, Alice has a secret in her present that gnaws at her very soul. It could be the end of her and her family if discovered by the palace guards . . .
Eloise has created a compelling gem-of-a-tale, steeped in the atmosphere, characters and smells of Elizabethan London, both good and bad. It is maybe one of which the bard or even Chaucer would approve.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and whilst not long, it packed a punch of excitement, tension and a powerful sense of place. The twin, first-person narrative from Alice and Honesty works really well, especially when the two are trying to make sense of each other's actions.
I can recommend this tale, and I can see this being a favourite for classroom out-loud reading and discussion.
Review by Erin M. Watson
Honesty is a welsh girl, no more than 13yrs, who travels to London to escape an arranged marriage with a much older man. Arriving, she is taken aback by the dirt, stink and the chaotic hustle and bustle of the streets. She needs her wits to keep her purse and life in this place. Will her quick tongue and a way with stories be any help? Fleeing from an attacker, she runs into Alice, a girl of about the same age, who it seems is a maid of some import at Queen Elizabeth's court.
Honesty realises Alice is key to gaining work and safety, so she follows h r into the grounds of Greenwich Palace. In so doing, Honesty foils an attempt on the queen's life. Her reward is to get to be a maid with Alice. And so begins a journey that starts out of Alice's need, then twists and turns through skullduggery, betrayal, treason, envy, lost friendships, and rivalries created.
While Honesty doesn't want her past catching up with her, Alice has a secret in her present that gnaws at her very soul. It could be the end of her and her family if discovered by the palace guards . . .
Eloise has created a compelling gem-of-a-tale, steeped in the atmosphere, characters and smells of Elizabethan London, both good and bad. It is maybe one of which the bard or even Chaucer would approve.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and whilst not long, it packed a punch of excitement, tension and a powerful sense of place. The twin, first-person narrative from Alice and Honesty works really well, especially when the two are trying to make sense of each other's actions.
I can recommend this tale, and I can see this being a favourite for classroom out-loud reading and discussion.
Review by Erin M. Watson
December 23, 2025
What an absolutely incredible historical mystery. I loved every second of this book, it was so gripping and I constantly wanted to solve what was going on behind the scenes of the story. It had so many layers to the story that you had so much to unlock through reading it.
I loved that It was told from both Honesty and Alice’s perspectives, it really helped with keeping you intrigued at the truth that was happening as they both had their own secrets. I liked their connection, that though their lives and assumption they’d made caused them to have some grievances about being together, but their friendship was actually really strong. They always went back for each other, always helped each other even when they felt they maybe shouldn’t have done.
The history within this book was so detailed, you got all the information about working in the Queens palace, to what the people were like in that time, how each of them live. You get the grossness of people, the grotesqueness of the streets and its poverised dirt ridden people living there. It was honestly amazing getting so many facts and pieces of information through an incredible story.
I had the best time reading this book, there was honestly so much going on throughout and I could probably go on and on about how much I loved it. From the amazing protagonists, to the historical palace setting, to the era set in, to the mystery and the twists and turns we got within the story. I loved everything about it, it’s honestly been so craftily and creatively made, you really feel as though you are there it’s so vividly described you can picture everything. What an absolutely glorious read.
I loved that It was told from both Honesty and Alice’s perspectives, it really helped with keeping you intrigued at the truth that was happening as they both had their own secrets. I liked their connection, that though their lives and assumption they’d made caused them to have some grievances about being together, but their friendship was actually really strong. They always went back for each other, always helped each other even when they felt they maybe shouldn’t have done.
The history within this book was so detailed, you got all the information about working in the Queens palace, to what the people were like in that time, how each of them live. You get the grossness of people, the grotesqueness of the streets and its poverised dirt ridden people living there. It was honestly amazing getting so many facts and pieces of information through an incredible story.
I had the best time reading this book, there was honestly so much going on throughout and I could probably go on and on about how much I loved it. From the amazing protagonists, to the historical palace setting, to the era set in, to the mystery and the twists and turns we got within the story. I loved everything about it, it’s honestly been so craftily and creatively made, you really feel as though you are there it’s so vividly described you can picture everything. What an absolutely glorious read.
October 8, 2022
This book is such a sweet, short read packed full of action and plot that is perfect for younger readers wanting to get into historical fiction.
Honesty and Alice, the two main point of view characters, were well written and certainly felt unique throughout the story. I liked how despite the fact that they contrasted each other and added a lovely dimension to the friendship that blossomed between them. The other characters in this book also had a personality, such as Maude, which I thought was particularly impressive given the book's shortness.
The plot was well-written and didn't feel rushed but I personally would have liked a little more development of the story that led up to the ending. However, the plot was constructed well and was thoroughly enjoyable and I absolutely adored watching the friendship blossoming between Alcie and Honesty because that was the real heart of this book. Especially given how it all ended!
The writing was easy to follow but didn't feel basic at the same time. I loved how Honesty's way with words translated onto the page into lovely metaphors and the stories that she told seemed so real to me. Plus, the setting was well established and there was a clear command of the time period in which it was set. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable book.
Honesty and Alice, the two main point of view characters, were well written and certainly felt unique throughout the story. I liked how despite the fact that they contrasted each other and added a lovely dimension to the friendship that blossomed between them. The other characters in this book also had a personality, such as Maude, which I thought was particularly impressive given the book's shortness.
The plot was well-written and didn't feel rushed but I personally would have liked a little more development of the story that led up to the ending. However, the plot was constructed well and was thoroughly enjoyable and I absolutely adored watching the friendship blossoming between Alcie and Honesty because that was the real heart of this book. Especially given how it all ended!
The writing was easy to follow but didn't feel basic at the same time. I loved how Honesty's way with words translated onto the page into lovely metaphors and the stories that she told seemed so real to me. Plus, the setting was well established and there was a clear command of the time period in which it was set. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable book.
September 22, 2022
This was a very enjoyable historical fictional tale for young readers aged around 9 to 12.
The story features 2 strong female main characters, Honesty and Alice. Each character has their own chapters and the author has done a wonderful job of giving each girl their own distinct voice.
The characters are interesting as neither girl is perfect and both have secrets to hide. I was impressed that the author has not made it a simple case of one good one bad character.
The setting of the Elizabethan era is wonderfully and confidently described, I loved that the book starts with us being plunged into the terrifying streets of London along with Honesty when she first arrives.
I really enjoyed the book and I particularly liked the authors style of writing and I will look forward to reading more of their work.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
The story features 2 strong female main characters, Honesty and Alice. Each character has their own chapters and the author has done a wonderful job of giving each girl their own distinct voice.
The characters are interesting as neither girl is perfect and both have secrets to hide. I was impressed that the author has not made it a simple case of one good one bad character.
The setting of the Elizabethan era is wonderfully and confidently described, I loved that the book starts with us being plunged into the terrifying streets of London along with Honesty when she first arrives.
I really enjoyed the book and I particularly liked the authors style of writing and I will look forward to reading more of their work.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
July 15, 2022
Ah, that's a delightful little tale of friendship between two girls, who met under seemingly unlikely circumstances. There is a bit of adventure, drama, challenges and struggle. It's sincere, hopeful and beautifully written, very easy to read. Somehow reminded me a bit of M.Twain's Huckleberry Fin and Tom Sawyer.. just in a different setting. I think there is a potential to grow from this story to more!
September 20, 2022
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me. The premise sounded amazing, but soon after I started it turned out that the writing style didn't suit me. Therefore I was unable to really get into the story and I kept zooming out. This is also the reason I cannot say much about the story or the characters, because I skimmed a lot of it. I do hope to revisit this one day to see if I like it better.
October 5, 2022
an interesting look at the Tudor Court and Elizabethan London. I enjoyed the story and seeing where it went. perfect for KS2 / 3 history
June 30, 2023
An incredibly good read! Both girls have wonderful, distinct voices, the pacing is great, and the plot has enough twists and turns that even if you guess some, you've not seen others coming. The historical worldbuilding is dripped steadily through and supply some great, accurate details to the time.
Historical middle-grade at its best!
Historical middle-grade at its best!
December 30, 2025
This middle-grade historical fiction is about two girls working in the Greenwich Palace during the reign of Queen Elizabeth (I).
Honesty escaped an unwanted arranged marriage and arrives in London. She meets quiet Alice, a servant in the palace, who directs her to an inn. But Honesty decides to follow Alice back to the Palace. Fate would have it that there was an attempted assassination on the Queen and Honesty intercepts the plot. She is given a job in the palace and soon sees both sides of life in the palace.
It is obvious that the author has done a lot of research for this book. From the palace location to its everyday life, I felt I was there. The two characters are also very easy to root for. If you are looking for a book with strong female leads, check out this one.
Map lovers will be thrilled to know that there are a couple of maps at the front. One is of the palace itself, and the other connecting Greenwich Palace with the Globe, London and the River Thames.
Honesty escaped an unwanted arranged marriage and arrives in London. She meets quiet Alice, a servant in the palace, who directs her to an inn. But Honesty decides to follow Alice back to the Palace. Fate would have it that there was an attempted assassination on the Queen and Honesty intercepts the plot. She is given a job in the palace and soon sees both sides of life in the palace.
It is obvious that the author has done a lot of research for this book. From the palace location to its everyday life, I felt I was there. The two characters are also very easy to root for. If you are looking for a book with strong female leads, check out this one.
Map lovers will be thrilled to know that there are a couple of maps at the front. One is of the palace itself, and the other connecting Greenwich Palace with the Globe, London and the River Thames.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews