Troubled Queen

The Marwood Family #2

by Amy Licence

Tensions are rising at the court of Henry VIII!
Two powerful women are vying for the king’s attention…

1528
Escaping from her family’s scandalous involvement with Anne Boleyn’s circle, Thomasin Marwood is beginning a new life in the service of Queen Catherine of Aragon.

Thomasin is trying to forget Rafe Danvers, the man who stole her heart and then betrayed her, and when a group of Venetians arrive at court, she is drawn to the sophisticated Nico.

But a great danger is lurking. The dreaded sweating sickness has returned, which claimed the life of Catherine’s first husband, Prince Arthur, many years ago. Catherine and her ladies are forced to flee, and their shared isolation with King Henry brings the couple closer again.

But Anne Boleyn will not let herself be forgotten.

Thomasin finds herself torn between new friends and old loyalties as Rafe comes back into her life.

Who will win Thomasin’s heart? Will she survive the dreaded sickness?
And will Anne Boleyn become victorious in her quest for the throne?

Troubled Queen is a page-turning historical drama set at the court of King Henry VIII and featuring Anne Boleyn. This is the second book in the Marwood Family Tudor Saga Series.

For fans of Philippa Gregory, Elizabeth Chadwick, Carol McGrath and Anne O’Brien.

The Marwood Family - A Tudor Family Saga
1. Dangerous Lady
2. Troubled Queen
3. False Mistress

Genres: Historical Fiction

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 22, 2022

About the author

Medieval and Tudor historian, with a particular interest in women's lives and experiences, also dabble in Modernism. I write fiction and non-fiction, also journalism for The Guardian, BBC History website, The New Statesman, The Huffington Post, The English Review and The London Magazine. I appeared in TV documentaries "The Real White Queen and her Rivals" and "The Private Lives of the Tudors." Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Reviews

[Tara Pyott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Wow! I have read many books about the Tudors, and Henry VIII and Catherine's court, and I thought any more books on the subject would be redundant. I was so wrong! Amy Licence creates such believable characters, and adds depth and dimension to her fictional, and historical, figures. I absolutely love Thomasin, she is a level headed, kind heroine you cheer for, and see a bit of yourself in. The author's writing flows so smoothly, I had a difficult time putting this book down! I'm so pleased Amy Licence is working on a third book in the series, my goodness I can't wait. Now I am going to read all her other books.

[Pippa Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprise gem of a book.
I stumbled across this book and took a punt, even though I wasn't expecting a great deal. I was worried the book might be formulaic and it's set in the Tudor era, which has been done to death. However, for whatever reason I pressed on and was so glad I did.
The story follows a Lady in Waiting, Thomasin Marwood, in the court of Queen Katherine (Henry VIII's first wife). Power is shifting as factions form between the upcoming rival for Henry's affection, Anne Boleyn, and his existing wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Thomasin's story is quietly underplayed and the reader's satisfaction comes from the author's skill of having the reader walk in Thomasin's shoes and the precarious path of not displeasing her mistress, protect her reputation, and navigate the complexities of the Tudor court.
No melodrama, no thundering twists, just a well told, believable story that feels real.
I will be reading the other books in this series.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

This is book 2 of the continuing tale of Thomasina Marwood and her life during King Henry VIII. It's wonderfully enjoyable to see the saga of Henry's story though the eyes of someone else. Additionally, you get to go on the journey of Thomasina's life and her family. Hard to put down. This is a definite must read for any Tudor fan!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like historical fiction, and I thought the cover design looked very striking, which is why I was interested in this.

I thought it was beautifully written - tasteful and elegant. It actually reminded me a little bit of a Philippa Gregory book.

One of my favourite things about historical fiction is that it can often feel like an escape for the reader, and this felt like an escape while I was reading, with the characters and setting vividly brought to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

[Raffaella Rowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book, and so far I’m loving this series. A great blend of fiction and history at the court of Henry VIII. Can’t wait for the next book in September!

[Katharina Boekhorst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Niet oninteressant maar wel voorspelbaar vergeleken met deel 1

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

1528 and Thomasin Marwood is working as part of the household of the Queen of England. The household is loyal to their mistress but very tense, Henry the King is infatuated with a woman called Anne and rather than just keep her as his mistress he wants to repudiate Queen Catherine. Catherine is beyond childbearing years and Henry needs a son to carry on his succession so his political allies are trying to get him a divorce. Anne is already acting above her station and Thomasin is caught in the intrigue.
As far as historical fiction goes this is a great setting, the King's great issue is examined from the perspective of those loyal to Catherine which is different to the usual viewpoint. The tone is very anti-Boleyn but in line with the thoughts and feelings of many of the populace at the time. So far so good. My only slight quibble with this novel was the character of Thomasin who seems a little bland and her romantic exploits somewhat saccharine but for every extended dance or illness section there is a really good examination of the history!

[Sherry Chiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Dangerous Lady, but you needn't have read the first book in this series to appreciate this one. In fact, if you prefer your Tudor fiction to take place at court rather than on its outskirts, you might prefer this one. The focus is on the travails of Catherine of Aragon in the period when King Henry was obsessed with Anne Boleyn but hadn't yet figured out how to end his marriage to Catherine. I liked that in this retelling Catherine gives (almost) as good as she gets; she's less of a cardboard saint than in most other novels of this period. I wish the main character, Thomasina, felt as multidimensional. It's not that she's flat so much as undistinguished, without much character at all. She seemed to have had much more personality in the first book. All the same, the pacing was quick and fluid enough to keep my interest, and the settings were described vividly. Will I read the next book in the series? Probably.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sapere Books, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Boadicea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor William Carey is much insulted by the author's decision to have him cheat on his wife with the heroine of this story (they didn't go all the way but only because he died).
If you can ignore this piece of fiction, and indeed all the modern behaviours of the entire court, it's ok. Very repetitive, literally repeating specific phrases in the same paragraph and also describing the food, the clothes, the buildings ad nauseam, but it's alright. I preferred Thomasin in the first book, I don't like the girl who thinks it's ok to be with another woman's husband so much. The author tries to imply that it's ok to divorce Mary because she was the King's mistress, but I think we all know what would have happened if she'd refused the king so it's not the same situation at all.
Further I really don't like the author's catholic bias. I will probably read the next book, if it's available on Kindle Unlimited (where I got this one and the last one from), but I won't read any more from this author.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having loved the first book, I eagerly awaited the release of this one and wasn't disappointed. This one has a different feel to it, set in the pivotal year of 1528. Thomasin has learned some harsh life lessons and is in service to Catherine of Aragon. We bear witness to the cruel indignities that the queen is forced to endure as an aging woman whose sole purpose in life was to bear a healthy son and having failed, has no value. The political intrigues are overshadowed by the fear of the sweating sickness spreading throughout England in 1528. The parallels between that disease and COVID-19 are hard to miss. I lost my sister to COVID so the painful questions as to why some die while others survive hit home for me. This author so deftly embeds the fictional Marwood family into the lives of well-known historical figures in the court of Henry VIII that we forget they aren't real. But best of all, the story will continue in another book! As an incurable Tudor fan, I can't wait.

[Melissa McSherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was good and easy to follow along with and understand even without having read the first book in the series.
It was a nice look into the marriage of Queen Catherine of Aragon and King Henry VII through Catherine's point of view. The struggles and cruelty she had to deal with at the hands of her husband and his court. While the MC is only one of her ladies, it felt as thought she felt everything the Queen did and thus the reader gets an in depth glance as her life at that time.
I felt like Thomasin's life was pretty much not her own. Which I'm sure was normal for that time. She came off as kind of a flat, bland character, not much depth to her. Her entire life revolved around the Queen and her needs. It was nice however the small scenes of banter among the ladies and few court members with her that we did get to see.

I was hoping for her to find her footing and get to live her own life at some point so I'm glad she did even if it was brief in the end before she gets summoned back.
The details in the book are great and its perfectly written and correct for the time era.
Over all it was a great book!

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m straight into this one fresh off the back of Dangerous Lady, the first book in the Marwood Family series. I’ve been hooked so far and this one was no different.

It’s had a hypnotic quality for me, flinging me into the depths of Tudor times and the dangers of the court, when two queens go head to head. It’s Aragon Vs Boleyn and Thomasine, who goes to serve Catherine, has to be careful to keep her head and her reputation intact.

The audiobook, voiced by the same narrator, was fab again. I’m glad they kept the continuity as I really enjoyed the first audiobook. I can also feel all the research the author put into this book, incorporating those of the time and being well informed of Tudor events. It was just as enjoyable as the first and I can’t wait to get stuck into the third (and happy to know there’s a fourth as well!!).

[Andrew Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this was an enjoyable read, it did not keep me as engaged as the first one in the series. I did not feel that Thomasin's character had developed sufficiently to hold my interest. We begin to see the changing character of Henry as he attempts to put Catherine aside and install Anne Boleyn, who is portrayed as devious and manipulating. The book develops the "battle lines" of Catherine versus Anne, and from that point of view is well written.

[Kathy Archambeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Marwood Family Tudor Saga

I really enjoyed reading about Catherine's court while Henry the eighth dallied with Anne Boleyn and the author superbly informs us of Court life , intrigues romances and Catherine's defiance with her Royal husband!
A great read about that time span in England while the plaque brought many changes to the country.
Love this series a real well written Tudor saga!

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars. It's clear that the author is knowledgeable regarding the history of the times. That is a wonderful concept but I'm not sure it was utilized successfully here. I felt like the interactions, while well-researched, were not believable and I struggled to get invested in the storyline.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Eileen Denlinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tudor Years

This novel was easy reading and brilliantly wove the threads of intrigue, desire and hope. I gave it 4 stars because the events were in isolation from the everyday populace. I would like to have seen at least glimpses of the influence of court events on the “common people”. I think it would bring in another perspective. I am looking firward to Book 3. Thank you!

[Polly Krize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A very well written novel about Queen Catherine of Aragon and her marriage with Henry VII. With Catherine's inability to provide Henry with an heir, he turns to the arms of Anne Boleyn. The intrigue and secrecy of the Tudor Court is explored so well. Recommended reading.

[Carole Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful instalment in this great series!

I’ve loved reading the further adventures of Thomasin Marwood at the court of Henry VIII and she serves his aging Queen, Catherine of Aragon. Negotiating the various factions who battle for prime position at the vibrant and sometimes dangerous court.

[Joanne Bolwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed both this book and the previous one in the series and can’t wait for the next. We all know the sad history but it is a fascinating insight into daily life at court. Perfect read for all fans of Phillipa Gregory, Alison Weir and Elizabeth Chadwick.

[Donna Pingry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually, when I'm reading a series, I find book 2 doesn't measure up to book 1. Happily, I found book 2 in this series was just as well written, the characters are believable as in book 1. My only gripe is I have to wait for the author to finish book 3.

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly magnificent read

[Kel Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and this series. I’m so glad I stumbled upon it. I cannot wait for the next one !!!!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable, readable series. It's a nice change of pace to see the Tudors from the outsider's POV. I'm not feeling very engaged by Thomasin, but the whole story has enough to keep me interested.

[Nancy Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book

A new way of looking at this period of history. I really enjoyed both books and will be reading more by Amy Licence.

[Betty Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the characters weren't as interesting as I had hoped, Tudor Court life was well-done.