What do you think?
Rate this book
The Virgin's Daughters: In the Court of Elizabeth I
The story of Elizabeth I, as it's never been told before-through the eyes of two ladies-in-waiting closest to her...
In a court filled with repressed sexual longing, scandal, and intrigue, Lady Katherine Grey is Elizabeth's most faithful servant. When the young queen is smitten by the dashing Robert Dudley, Katherine must choose between duty and desire-as her secret passion for a handsome earl threatens to turn Elizabeth against her. Once the queen becomes a bitter and capricious monarch, another lady-in-waiting, Mistress Mary Rogers, offers the queen comfort. But even Mary cannot remain impervious to the court's sexual tension-and as Elizabeth gives her doomed heart to the mercurial Earl of Essex, Mary is drawn to the queen's rakish godson...
In a court filled with repressed sexual longing, scandal, and intrigue, Lady Katherine Grey is Elizabeth's most faithful servant. When the young queen is smitten by the dashing Robert Dudley, Katherine must choose between duty and desire-as her secret passion for a handsome earl threatens to turn Elizabeth against her. Once the queen becomes a bitter and capricious monarch, another lady-in-waiting, Mistress Mary Rogers, offers the queen comfort. But even Mary cannot remain impervious to the court's sexual tension-and as Elizabeth gives her doomed heart to the mercurial Earl of Essex, Mary is drawn to the queen's rakish godson...
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
26 people are currently reading
3592 people want to read
About the author
Jeane Westin
26 books30 followersJeane Westin's professional writing career began with a humourous camping disaster article for her local newspaper. National newspaper and magazine articles followed until she moved on to non-fiction books and then to long hardback historical novels. Jeane's second novel, 'Swing Sisters' came out of her youthful love of jazz, the major record collections she carted about the country and from wondering what women's role was during the early years of that special American music.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 27, 2009
I have to admit going into this one being confused about what the story was actually about, so many reviews go into such great plot detail that I found my head spinning - I'm keeping it short and sweet. This is actually two stories of two different women who served Elizabeth Tudor at two different periods in her life. The first, Katherine Grey falls in love with Edward Seymor and wishes to marry him but Elizabeth refuses to give permission for the two to wed - and their defiance leads to drastic circumstances. The second *daughter* is Mary Rogers (distantly related to Katherine) who joins Elizabeth's household in her later years and finds herself in love with the rakish Sir John Harrington, but Elizabeth has other plans.....
And that's pretty much it. While I enjoyed a look at a couple of lesser known ladies instead of the focus being on the monarch, I have to say that this book fell a tad bit flat for this reader. I didn't find much chemistry between either pair of lovers, Elizabeth was pretty un-intimidating in the first half of the book (thankfully that improved in the latter half), but worst of all was the portrayal of Robert Dudley. Instead of being the "Machiavellian master courtier" as he's been described as he reminded me more of those irritating *barfly* flirts I used to come across in my younger bar hopping days. I just never felt connections with any of the characters, nor did I feel I was in the period itself - always on the outside looking in. A good book, just not a great one.
And that's pretty much it. While I enjoyed a look at a couple of lesser known ladies instead of the focus being on the monarch, I have to say that this book fell a tad bit flat for this reader. I didn't find much chemistry between either pair of lovers, Elizabeth was pretty un-intimidating in the first half of the book (thankfully that improved in the latter half), but worst of all was the portrayal of Robert Dudley. Instead of being the "Machiavellian master courtier" as he's been described as he reminded me more of those irritating *barfly* flirts I used to come across in my younger bar hopping days. I just never felt connections with any of the characters, nor did I feel I was in the period itself - always on the outside looking in. A good book, just not a great one.
November 17, 2011
I knew the reviews on this weren't so great, but I figured since I had just finished a non-fiction book on Katherine Grey that it would be enjoyable, even if it was a little fluffy. Wrong! The repetition was ridiculous "Katherine could be named heir any day" was literally on every other page through the first half of the book. When I started the second half I thought it might get more interesting because I didn't know anything about Mary Rodgers. Not. Same boring writing. The author never made me want to turn a page. The characters were weak and I didn't find any chemistry between them. Not to mention the cheesy dialogue, especially during the "love" scenes. I made it 60% through and decided to end the torture. Even though a lot of the story was true, the writing style just made it seem unbelievable and fake.
May 1, 2012
I enjoyed the first part of this book about Lady Jane Gray, a blood royal cousin and lady in waiting of Queen Elizabeth who was sent to the tower for choosing love over the queen. She secretly married her lover and became pregnant - thus having the queen send her to the power as punishment. I became irritated with the story when it fast forwards 30 years to another virgin maid in the queens quarters. This portion started with major historical inaccuracies about Jane Gray which was just annoying, so I decided not to finish the book.
September 30, 2009
On one hand, I liked this book because I love anything related to Tudor England. On the other hand, I felt like this should've been two books. It had very little character development. I felt like the author had two stories she wanted to tell, and decided to write two short stories instead of one more elaborate story. I didn't feel attachment to the characters, and felt that the stories moved too quickly. I loved her portrayal of Elizabeth, though, and felt that the book was much more about her than the "daugthers" the title and synopsis suggest it would be about.
I'd recommend it if you like historical fiction, though. A quick, enjoyable read.
I'd recommend it if you like historical fiction, though. A quick, enjoyable read.
October 17, 2009
The Virgin's Daughters is a unique story of Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII. It is a story told by two different ladies in waiting to the Queen . It is also told in two different times in the Queens life. Elizabeth wanted to be a strong monarch and she was in love with Robert Dudley but would not give herself to him because she considered herself the Virgin Queen thus she did not want any of the ladies around her to have relationships either.
Lady Katherine Grey , cousin to Elizabeth, was by some considered to be the next in line for the throne. She did not want to be Queen and just wanted to serve Elizabeth. She was the younger sister to Lady Jane Grey who had been Queen for only 2 weeks. At this time she just wanted to serve the queen. She met and fell in love with Edward Seymour and secretly married him and had 2 children by him. Once the queen found out, she was very angry ,she had Katherine imprisoned as was Edward in the Tower of London. A sympathetic guard allowed Edward and Katherine to have visits which resulted in the second child. When Queen Elizabeth found out about this she ordered the children and Edward away and decreed that Edward and Katherine were never to meet again, which they never did. Their marriage was annulled and the children considered illegitimate.
Mistress Mary Rogers was the Queens lady in waiting in Elizabeth's later years. By this time Elizabeth is a bitter women and had never married and had no heir. Mary also met and fell in love and had to marry in secret also.
This story tells about the the men and women close to the Queen and how angry and bitter she could be and wanted to rule the lives of those around her. In her alter life she called herself The Virgin Queen and that she was married to her people and expected those around her to do as she wished.
This is a tale of court intrique, and sexual longings of a queen and her court, how the queen expected the ladies around her to be virtuous. She considered Lady Katherine and Mary to be her 'daughters'.
A very well researched and written, this is a book that I give 5 stars to. Another must...
Go to: http://www.jeanewestin.com/books.html to read more about author Jeane Westin.
Posted by CelticLady at 5:31 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaet Campbell Barnes
From Amazon.com
The infamous love of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn undertook a rocky journey from innocent courtier to powerful Queen of England. A meticulous researcher, Margaret Campbell Barnes immerses readers in this intrigue and in the lush, glittery world of the Tudor Court. The beauty and charms of Anne Boleyn bewitched the most powerful man in the world, King Henry VIII, but her resourcefulness and cleverness were not enough to stop the malice of her enemies. Her swift rise to power quickly became her own undoing.
The author brings to light Boleyn's humanity and courage, giving an intimate look at a young woman struggling to find her own way in a world dominated by men and adversaries.
This book was first published in 1949 and due to the "Tudor" interest in books and of course the movies it has been re-released. I have read a few different fiction and non fiction accounts of Anne Boleyn. This is another fictionalized version and probably my favorite. It portrays Anne affectionally as a strong woman of her time. Independent but still wanting to please both her family, especially her father and uncle, and also everyone she comes in contact with. The story also portrays a strong and willfull woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. It is also a tragedy of how one mans greed and power can ruin the lives of those around him depending on the whim and of course listening to lies of the people who want favors from him...
This book is well written and if you enjoy historical fiction add this to your list. I was prepared to not like this book as it had been published so long ago but I found that I had a hard time putting it down, thats how fast it read. I displays a believable account of not only Anne Boleyn, but her sister Mary and of course Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII"s wife of almost 20 years
Posted by CelticLady at 4:31 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn’s Influence on Elizabeth I
Posted using ShareThis
Posted by CelticLady at 8:35 PM 0 comments Links to this post
The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory
This is another story in the Boleyn saga. It is a story about Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Jane Rochford.
After Jane Seymours death in childbirth HenryVIII contracts to marry Anne of Cleves. Anne was not very appealing to the king, but he still wanted to sire an heir. She could only communicate in German and this added to Henry's dislike of her. Their marriage was eventually annulled on the grounds that their marriage was not consumated.
Katherine Howard was the next wife of Henry VIII. He married Katherine in haste because he thought she was pregnant. As it turns out she was not actually pregnant. She was repulsed by Henry because by this time in his life he was obese and had festering, foul smelling ulcers on his legs. So Katherine proceeded to have an affair with Thomas Culpeper Henry's favourite male courtier. Catherines indescetions became known and she was charged with adultery and treason. After a period of time she was beheaded and buried near her cousin Anne Boleyn.
Jane Boleyn was the wife of George Boleyn, Anne Boleyns brother. She was also lady in waiting to Katherine Howard. Her testimony against her husband,who was being charged with incest and for being a traitor, led to the death of her husband and Anne Boleyn. She was jealous of her sister-in-law and supposedly sexually voyeuristic and given to petty spying. Her fate was to be the same as her husband and Anne and she was beheaded along with Catherine Howard. She was burried alonside Catherine Howard.
I liked this story although I was not a big fan of Jane Boleyn. In spite of that it is a very engaging story in the Tudor saga. As with all of Phillipa Gregory's historical novels this is a must read.
Posted by CelticLady at 7:50 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Ashes to Ashes by Lillian Stewart Carl
From Lillian Stewart Carl's website
http://www.lillianstewartcarl.com/boo...
Rebecca comes to a replica of a Scottish castle in Ohio to catalog a collection of historical artifacts. But she's not wanted there, either by her Scottish co-worker or by the ghosts of the past.
Historian Rebecca Reid comes from Missouri to a replica of a Scottish castle located outside a small town in Ohio. She's cataloging a collection of historical artifacts, among them, supposedly, a scandalous letter written by Mary, Queen of Scots. But her co-worker, Scottish historian Michael Campbell, has his own plans. And the ghosts of the past, not to mention a very contemporary antagonist, want them both gone.
I have been a fan of Lillian Stewart Carl's books for a few years now and I have not been disappointed in any of her stories.
Ashes to Ashes is historical as well as a romance and a ghost story with a real ghost. Lillian writes a very engaging story about two people who have to work together and do not always see eye to eye. The story is very entertaining with just enough mystery. A believable story with historical fact and humor.
Definitely a book worth reading and it does have a sequel: Dust to Dust..
Posted by CelticLady at 7:09 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Monday, September 14, 2009
Anne Boleyn by Elizabeth Norton
From Amazon.com
Doomed queen of Henry VIII, mother to Elizabeth I, the epic story of Anne Boleyn from an exceptional new writer. Anne Boleyn was the most controversial and scandalous woman ever to sit on the throne of England. From her early days at the imposing Hever Castle in Kent, to the glittering courts of Paris and London, Anne caused a stir wherever she went. Alluring but not beautiful, Anne's wit and poise won her numerous admirers at the English court, and caught the roving eye of King Henry.
Anne was determined to shape her own destiny, first through a secret engagement to Henry Percy, the heir of the Earl of Northumberland, and later through her insistence on marriage with the king, after a long and tempestuous relationship as his mistress. Their love affair was as extreme as it was deadly, from Henry's 'mine own sweetheart' to 'cursed and poisoning whore' her fall from grace was total.
I received this book from my daughter as a gift and have not finished it yet. So far so good. It appears that a lot of research went into it and it may not be accurate as a few reviewers claimed. But so far I am finding it interesting, I like the use of letters, notes, quotes. There are also nice pictures in the book of castles, statues. Amazing picture of the King Henry VIII bedroom at Hever Castle.
I am not a historian and do not claim to be but I find that it is interesting to read different variations on the same story. Anne Boleyn was a woman who knew what she wanted and how to go about it. Henry had a very high opinion of Anne and when she could not live up to his expectations , mostly not giving him the son he wanted, he found a way to bring her to her death, so he could move on to the next wife. Although the child they did have, Queen Elizabeth I was a very exceptional woman of her time, but that is for another review..
Posted by CelticLady at 3:46 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Kings Pleasure by Nora Lofts
The next book on my list is The Kings Pleasure by Nora Lofts. It is about Katherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII's first wife. Katherine is the daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. This version of Katherine reveals how life in these times were very political. Katherine was betrothed to King Henry VII and Queen Eleanor's first son Prince Arthur. Arthur was a sickly person and when King Henry VII died Arthur was crowned King of England. Arthur and Katherine were married but the marriage was not consummated. After Arthur died it was decided that Katherine should marry Henry VIII. He was 18 and she was 23. Katherine suffered frequent miscarriages and finally was able to carry a child, Princess Mary but it was not the sone that Henry wanted desperately. So after nearly 20 years of marriage he asked Katherine for a divorce of which she would not agree to. So he repudiated their marriage, submitted Katherine to the humiliation of a trial and banished her from his life and did obtain the divorce so he could marry Anne Boleyn. It is this obsession that will lead Henry to his destruction and the humiliation of Katharine, the woman he once would have done anything to protect, forever changing the face of English history and religion.
This book is a 1969 reprint but it reads as if it was recently written. If you are interested in this period of history this is a great book.
Interested Nora Lofts?? go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norah_Lofts
Posted by CelticLady at 8:13 PM 0 comments Links to this post
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I bought this book as an ebook for my Sony ereader so I do not have the actual book. I really enjoyed this book though.
It is about women in the South , white and black, maids and the 'gentry'. The story is told in different versions in each chapter. There is 22 year old Skeeter who is not sure what she wants to do with her life as she was raised to be a wife and mother. The year is 1962 and it is a time of racial tension and where the children amongst the 'gentry' are mostly raised by the 'help'. Skeeter had been raised by a black woman Constantine, but while Skeeter was in college, Constantine left and no one will tell her what happened.
Abilene is a black maid that is raising her 17th white child. Her own son was killed while people looked the other way and justice was not done. She is very loyal to the children that she raises but also knows what lines she can and cannot cross.
Minnie, another maid, is fat and sassy and tells it like it is to the point that she loses jobs.She on the other hand can't seem to keep her mouth shut.
"Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed"
This is a story about women, mother's , daughters, caregivers and friends from different classes and how they view each other. It is a story told with humor and hope about the future and changes that can be made..It uses the language of the time and issues regarding women and race.
I highly recommend this book.You won't be disappointed.
Go to : http://www.kathrynstockett.com/ to visit Kathryn Stockett
Posted by CelticLady at 6:49 PM 0 comments Links to this post
October 2009 Home
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Halloween Giveaway here at celticladysramblings...ends 10/31
A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris
About Me
CelticLady
My profile picture is of my grandsons Cobi and Dylan reading books...I am a wife and mother and grandmother. I have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren. I live in northern Wisconsin. I have been employed for 23 years at a local nursing home and currently work in the therapy department.
View my complete profile
Halloween Greetings
We are Irish
This is a view of Galway Bay on the Promenade from Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran, Donegal, Ireland. This Hotel has one of the best golf courses on it.
Today in Irish History
My Other Blog
Book Blogs
Great Irish Music
From Dusk till Dawn: Best of Capercallie
Best of Enya to be released November 16th, 2009 in US
Warner Music will be releasing a new 'Best of Enya' album this coming November 16th. The album will include titles from all the Warner albums with favourite songs chosen by Enya, Nicky and Roma. A special edition will contain DVD and documentary footage
My Daughter Kara's Little Business
Lucky Loofah's and Lather
Currently Reading
The Boleyn Wife
Awards
Zombie Chicken Award received from The Book Addict...Thanks!!!
Award from Aimee Thanks!!!
Currently Reading
Soulless by Gail Carringer
Take a peek at Fall Into Fiction, and more
A Peek At My Bookshelves
Librarything
Powered by LibraryThing
Grab my button , go ahead, you know that you want to!!!!
Burton Review
The Tome Traveler
Mellisa's Bookshelf
A Peek At My Bookshelf
A Park Avenue Princess
Reading at the Beach
Book Chick City
The Story Siren
Royal Reviews
Historically Obsessed
/>
The Book Vixen
The True Book Addict
The Life and lies of an Inanimate Flying Object
The Neverending Shelf
Froggaritavilles Bookcase
The Book Resort
Book Giveaways
Blog Archive
▼ 2009 (108)
► October (48)
Haunted Castles of Ireland, England, Scotland and ...
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine ...
Historical Fiction to be published soon.....
Friday Fill-in's
Haunted Castles of Ireland, England, Scotland and ...
Booking Through Thursday
A-Z Wednesdays
Haunted Castles of Ireland , England, Scotland and...
Halloween Giveaway
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
Happy Birthday Grady!!!
Teaser Tuesday
My daughter...
What are you reading on Monday's?
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
Winter is on its way...a car ride away
On the Home Front...
Book for Halloween
The Queens Mistake by Diane Haeger
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
Did you know??
Friday Funnies, Celtic Style
Friday Fill-in's
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
War and Family
Books
Haunted Castles of Ireland, Scotland, England and ...
A-Z Wednesday's
October 7th, 2009
My second award
Teaser Tuesday
Haunted Castles of Ireland, Scotland, England and ...
Good day for Books
Haunted Castles of Ireland, Scotland and Wales
Mailbox Mondays
I won my first Book!!!!
Haunted Castles of Ireland, Scotland and Wales
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Rest in Peace
Seven Centuries of English Cooking: A Collection o...
10 years
Picture of the Day
2006 Bones by Kathy Reichs
Fill in Friday's
Picture of the Day
October Giveaway: The Queen
October Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway - At Home With...
▼ September (60)
Picture of the Day
An Irish Book for Halloween
Wordless Wednesday
A-Z Wednesday
Tuesdays Teasers
Picture of The Day
The Irish Book for Halloween
Yess!!! I received the three books I have been wai...
Picture of the Day
Irish Book of The Day For Halloween
J. Kaye's Book Blog: New Weekly Event
Irish Book of The Day For Halloween
Picture of The Day
Picture of the Day Cliffs of Moher, County Clare...
King Tut
Giveaway!!!
Irish Books for Halloween
Picture of The Day
The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley
My Picture of the Day
Contest
No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong
Giveaway!!
Has anyone read this book???
Wordless Wednesday..
My Brag for the day Our Baby
Sony eReader
My Brag for the Day
Bear!!!
The Brutal Telling
My Button!!!
Tuesdays Teaser
Follow button
The Kennedy Women by Laurence Leamer
My boys...
Too many books??
Anne Boleyn
A big thank you!!!!
Typo
This week in books....
Celticlady's Ramblings about books and other thing...
Contest at Everything Victorian and more...
I have had this book for a few weeks on my TBR pi...
The Little House by Phillipa Gregory
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Kelley Armstrong
Win a copy of Fed Up at The Bookresort.com
Next book on my list to read
Back in the Day by Michael Powell
In The Woods by Tana French
The Maiden's Court: Women's Murder Club Reading Ch...
PaperBackSwap.com: Free Online Book Club to Swap, ...
The Virgin's Daughters In the Court of Elizabeth I...
Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaet Campbell Barnes
Anne Boleyn
The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory
Ashes to Ashes by Lillian Stewart Carl
Anne Boleyn by Elizabeth Norton
The Kings Pleasure by Nora Lofts
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
REALM MAGAZINE
One of our favorite magazines regarding history in England,Ireland,Wales
Renaissance Magazine if you like anything Medieval you will like this magazine
Renaissance Magazine
Books I am selling on eCrater
BlogCatalog
Historical Fiction Books
Visit Historical Fiction Books
I am a member of BookBlog
Visit Book Blogs
Book Blog Directory
Lady Katherine Grey , cousin to Elizabeth, was by some considered to be the next in line for the throne. She did not want to be Queen and just wanted to serve Elizabeth. She was the younger sister to Lady Jane Grey who had been Queen for only 2 weeks. At this time she just wanted to serve the queen. She met and fell in love with Edward Seymour and secretly married him and had 2 children by him. Once the queen found out, she was very angry ,she had Katherine imprisoned as was Edward in the Tower of London. A sympathetic guard allowed Edward and Katherine to have visits which resulted in the second child. When Queen Elizabeth found out about this she ordered the children and Edward away and decreed that Edward and Katherine were never to meet again, which they never did. Their marriage was annulled and the children considered illegitimate.
Mistress Mary Rogers was the Queens lady in waiting in Elizabeth's later years. By this time Elizabeth is a bitter women and had never married and had no heir. Mary also met and fell in love and had to marry in secret also.
This story tells about the the men and women close to the Queen and how angry and bitter she could be and wanted to rule the lives of those around her. In her alter life she called herself The Virgin Queen and that she was married to her people and expected those around her to do as she wished.
This is a tale of court intrique, and sexual longings of a queen and her court, how the queen expected the ladies around her to be virtuous. She considered Lady Katherine and Mary to be her 'daughters'.
A very well researched and written, this is a book that I give 5 stars to. Another must...
Go to: http://www.jeanewestin.com/books.html to read more about author Jeane Westin.
Posted by CelticLady at 5:31 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaet Campbell Barnes
From Amazon.com
The infamous love of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn undertook a rocky journey from innocent courtier to powerful Queen of England. A meticulous researcher, Margaret Campbell Barnes immerses readers in this intrigue and in the lush, glittery world of the Tudor Court. The beauty and charms of Anne Boleyn bewitched the most powerful man in the world, King Henry VIII, but her resourcefulness and cleverness were not enough to stop the malice of her enemies. Her swift rise to power quickly became her own undoing.
The author brings to light Boleyn's humanity and courage, giving an intimate look at a young woman struggling to find her own way in a world dominated by men and adversaries.
This book was first published in 1949 and due to the "Tudor" interest in books and of course the movies it has been re-released. I have read a few different fiction and non fiction accounts of Anne Boleyn. This is another fictionalized version and probably my favorite. It portrays Anne affectionally as a strong woman of her time. Independent but still wanting to please both her family, especially her father and uncle, and also everyone she comes in contact with. The story also portrays a strong and willfull woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. It is also a tragedy of how one mans greed and power can ruin the lives of those around him depending on the whim and of course listening to lies of the people who want favors from him...
This book is well written and if you enjoy historical fiction add this to your list. I was prepared to not like this book as it had been published so long ago but I found that I had a hard time putting it down, thats how fast it read. I displays a believable account of not only Anne Boleyn, but her sister Mary and of course Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII"s wife of almost 20 years
Posted by CelticLady at 4:31 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn’s Influence on Elizabeth I
Posted using ShareThis
Posted by CelticLady at 8:35 PM 0 comments Links to this post
The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory
This is another story in the Boleyn saga. It is a story about Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Jane Rochford.
After Jane Seymours death in childbirth HenryVIII contracts to marry Anne of Cleves. Anne was not very appealing to the king, but he still wanted to sire an heir. She could only communicate in German and this added to Henry's dislike of her. Their marriage was eventually annulled on the grounds that their marriage was not consumated.
Katherine Howard was the next wife of Henry VIII. He married Katherine in haste because he thought she was pregnant. As it turns out she was not actually pregnant. She was repulsed by Henry because by this time in his life he was obese and had festering, foul smelling ulcers on his legs. So Katherine proceeded to have an affair with Thomas Culpeper Henry's favourite male courtier. Catherines indescetions became known and she was charged with adultery and treason. After a period of time she was beheaded and buried near her cousin Anne Boleyn.
Jane Boleyn was the wife of George Boleyn, Anne Boleyns brother. She was also lady in waiting to Katherine Howard. Her testimony against her husband,who was being charged with incest and for being a traitor, led to the death of her husband and Anne Boleyn. She was jealous of her sister-in-law and supposedly sexually voyeuristic and given to petty spying. Her fate was to be the same as her husband and Anne and she was beheaded along with Catherine Howard. She was burried alonside Catherine Howard.
I liked this story although I was not a big fan of Jane Boleyn. In spite of that it is a very engaging story in the Tudor saga. As with all of Phillipa Gregory's historical novels this is a must read.
Posted by CelticLady at 7:50 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Ashes to Ashes by Lillian Stewart Carl
From Lillian Stewart Carl's website
http://www.lillianstewartcarl.com/boo...
Rebecca comes to a replica of a Scottish castle in Ohio to catalog a collection of historical artifacts. But she's not wanted there, either by her Scottish co-worker or by the ghosts of the past.
Historian Rebecca Reid comes from Missouri to a replica of a Scottish castle located outside a small town in Ohio. She's cataloging a collection of historical artifacts, among them, supposedly, a scandalous letter written by Mary, Queen of Scots. But her co-worker, Scottish historian Michael Campbell, has his own plans. And the ghosts of the past, not to mention a very contemporary antagonist, want them both gone.
I have been a fan of Lillian Stewart Carl's books for a few years now and I have not been disappointed in any of her stories.
Ashes to Ashes is historical as well as a romance and a ghost story with a real ghost. Lillian writes a very engaging story about two people who have to work together and do not always see eye to eye. The story is very entertaining with just enough mystery. A believable story with historical fact and humor.
Definitely a book worth reading and it does have a sequel: Dust to Dust..
Posted by CelticLady at 7:09 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Monday, September 14, 2009
Anne Boleyn by Elizabeth Norton
From Amazon.com
Doomed queen of Henry VIII, mother to Elizabeth I, the epic story of Anne Boleyn from an exceptional new writer. Anne Boleyn was the most controversial and scandalous woman ever to sit on the throne of England. From her early days at the imposing Hever Castle in Kent, to the glittering courts of Paris and London, Anne caused a stir wherever she went. Alluring but not beautiful, Anne's wit and poise won her numerous admirers at the English court, and caught the roving eye of King Henry.
Anne was determined to shape her own destiny, first through a secret engagement to Henry Percy, the heir of the Earl of Northumberland, and later through her insistence on marriage with the king, after a long and tempestuous relationship as his mistress. Their love affair was as extreme as it was deadly, from Henry's 'mine own sweetheart' to 'cursed and poisoning whore' her fall from grace was total.
I received this book from my daughter as a gift and have not finished it yet. So far so good. It appears that a lot of research went into it and it may not be accurate as a few reviewers claimed. But so far I am finding it interesting, I like the use of letters, notes, quotes. There are also nice pictures in the book of castles, statues. Amazing picture of the King Henry VIII bedroom at Hever Castle.
I am not a historian and do not claim to be but I find that it is interesting to read different variations on the same story. Anne Boleyn was a woman who knew what she wanted and how to go about it. Henry had a very high opinion of Anne and when she could not live up to his expectations , mostly not giving him the son he wanted, he found a way to bring her to her death, so he could move on to the next wife. Although the child they did have, Queen Elizabeth I was a very exceptional woman of her time, but that is for another review..
Posted by CelticLady at 3:46 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Kings Pleasure by Nora Lofts
The next book on my list is The Kings Pleasure by Nora Lofts. It is about Katherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII's first wife. Katherine is the daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. This version of Katherine reveals how life in these times were very political. Katherine was betrothed to King Henry VII and Queen Eleanor's first son Prince Arthur. Arthur was a sickly person and when King Henry VII died Arthur was crowned King of England. Arthur and Katherine were married but the marriage was not consummated. After Arthur died it was decided that Katherine should marry Henry VIII. He was 18 and she was 23. Katherine suffered frequent miscarriages and finally was able to carry a child, Princess Mary but it was not the sone that Henry wanted desperately. So after nearly 20 years of marriage he asked Katherine for a divorce of which she would not agree to. So he repudiated their marriage, submitted Katherine to the humiliation of a trial and banished her from his life and did obtain the divorce so he could marry Anne Boleyn. It is this obsession that will lead Henry to his destruction and the humiliation of Katharine, the woman he once would have done anything to protect, forever changing the face of English history and religion.
This book is a 1969 reprint but it reads as if it was recently written. If you are interested in this period of history this is a great book.
Interested Nora Lofts?? go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norah_Lofts
Posted by CelticLady at 8:13 PM 0 comments Links to this post
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I bought this book as an ebook for my Sony ereader so I do not have the actual book. I really enjoyed this book though.
It is about women in the South , white and black, maids and the 'gentry'. The story is told in different versions in each chapter. There is 22 year old Skeeter who is not sure what she wants to do with her life as she was raised to be a wife and mother. The year is 1962 and it is a time of racial tension and where the children amongst the 'gentry' are mostly raised by the 'help'. Skeeter had been raised by a black woman Constantine, but while Skeeter was in college, Constantine left and no one will tell her what happened.
Abilene is a black maid that is raising her 17th white child. Her own son was killed while people looked the other way and justice was not done. She is very loyal to the children that she raises but also knows what lines she can and cannot cross.
Minnie, another maid, is fat and sassy and tells it like it is to the point that she loses jobs.She on the other hand can't seem to keep her mouth shut.
"Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed"
This is a story about women, mother's , daughters, caregivers and friends from different classes and how they view each other. It is a story told with humor and hope about the future and changes that can be made..It uses the language of the time and issues regarding women and race.
I highly recommend this book.You won't be disappointed.
Go to : http://www.kathrynstockett.com/ to visit Kathryn Stockett
Posted by CelticLady at 6:49 PM 0 comments Links to this post
October 2009 Home
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Halloween Giveaway here at celticladysramblings...ends 10/31
A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris
About Me
CelticLady
My profile picture is of my grandsons Cobi and Dylan reading books...I am a wife and mother and grandmother. I have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren. I live in northern Wisconsin. I have been employed for 23 years at a local nursing home and currently work in the therapy department.
View my complete profile
Halloween Greetings
We are Irish
This is a view of Galway Bay on the Promenade from Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran, Donegal, Ireland. This Hotel has one of the best golf courses on it.
Today in Irish History
My Other Blog
Book Blogs
Great Irish Music
From Dusk till Dawn: Best of Capercallie
Best of Enya to be released November 16th, 2009 in US
Warner Music will be releasing a new 'Best of Enya' album this coming November 16th. The album will include titles from all the Warner albums with favourite songs chosen by Enya, Nicky and Roma. A special edition will contain DVD and documentary footage
My Daughter Kara's Little Business
Lucky Loofah's and Lather
Currently Reading
The Boleyn Wife
Awards
Zombie Chicken Award received from The Book Addict...Thanks!!!
Award from Aimee Thanks!!!
Currently Reading
Soulless by Gail Carringer
Take a peek at Fall Into Fiction, and more
A Peek At My Bookshelves
Librarything
Powered by LibraryThing
Grab my button , go ahead, you know that you want to!!!!
Burton Review
The Tome Traveler
Mellisa's Bookshelf
A Peek At My Bookshelf
A Park Avenue Princess
Reading at the Beach
Book Chick City
The Story Siren
Royal Reviews
Historically Obsessed
/>
The Book Vixen
The True Book Addict
The Life and lies of an Inanimate Flying Object
The Neverending Shelf
Froggaritavilles Bookcase
The Book Resort
Book Giveaways
Blog Archive
▼ 2009 (108)
► October (48)
Haunted Castles of Ireland, England, Scotland and ...
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine ...
Historical Fiction to be published soon.....
Friday Fill-in's
Haunted Castles of Ireland, England, Scotland and ...
Booking Through Thursday
A-Z Wednesdays
Haunted Castles of Ireland , England, Scotland and...
Halloween Giveaway
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
Happy Birthday Grady!!!
Teaser Tuesday
My daughter...
What are you reading on Monday's?
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
Winter is on its way...a car ride away
On the Home Front...
Book for Halloween
The Queens Mistake by Diane Haeger
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
Did you know??
Friday Funnies, Celtic Style
Friday Fill-in's
Haunted Castles and Houses of Ireland, England ,Sc...
War and Family
Books
Haunted Castles of Ireland, Scotland, England and ...
A-Z Wednesday's
October 7th, 2009
My second award
Teaser Tuesday
Haunted Castles of Ireland, Scotland, England and ...
Good day for Books
Haunted Castles of Ireland, Scotland and Wales
Mailbox Mondays
I won my first Book!!!!
Haunted Castles of Ireland, Scotland and Wales
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Rest in Peace
Seven Centuries of English Cooking: A Collection o...
10 years
Picture of the Day
2006 Bones by Kathy Reichs
Fill in Friday's
Picture of the Day
October Giveaway: The Queen
October Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway - At Home With...
▼ September (60)
Picture of the Day
An Irish Book for Halloween
Wordless Wednesday
A-Z Wednesday
Tuesdays Teasers
Picture of The Day
The Irish Book for Halloween
Yess!!! I received the three books I have been wai...
Picture of the Day
Irish Book of The Day For Halloween
J. Kaye's Book Blog: New Weekly Event
Irish Book of The Day For Halloween
Picture of The Day
Picture of the Day Cliffs of Moher, County Clare...
King Tut
Giveaway!!!
Irish Books for Halloween
Picture of The Day
The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley
My Picture of the Day
Contest
No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong
Giveaway!!
Has anyone read this book???
Wordless Wednesday..
My Brag for the day Our Baby
Sony eReader
My Brag for the Day
Bear!!!
The Brutal Telling
My Button!!!
Tuesdays Teaser
Follow button
The Kennedy Women by Laurence Leamer
My boys...
Too many books??
Anne Boleyn
A big thank you!!!!
Typo
This week in books....
Celticlady's Ramblings about books and other thing...
Contest at Everything Victorian and more...
I have had this book for a few weeks on my TBR pi...
The Little House by Phillipa Gregory
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Kelley Armstrong
Win a copy of Fed Up at The Bookresort.com
Next book on my list to read
Back in the Day by Michael Powell
In The Woods by Tana French
The Maiden's Court: Women's Murder Club Reading Ch...
PaperBackSwap.com: Free Online Book Club to Swap, ...
The Virgin's Daughters In the Court of Elizabeth I...
Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaet Campbell Barnes
Anne Boleyn
The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory
Ashes to Ashes by Lillian Stewart Carl
Anne Boleyn by Elizabeth Norton
The Kings Pleasure by Nora Lofts
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
REALM MAGAZINE
One of our favorite magazines regarding history in England,Ireland,Wales
Renaissance Magazine if you like anything Medieval you will like this magazine
Renaissance Magazine
Books I am selling on eCrater
BlogCatalog
Historical Fiction Books
Visit Historical Fiction Books
I am a member of BookBlog
Visit Book Blogs
Book Blog Directory
August 27, 2017
Excellent! I really loved these two stories about some of the most well-known figures in the court of Elizabeth I. It helped knowing (from previous readers' reviews) that I was going to get two stories on different time lines. Once I finished the first one about Kate Grey, I put it aside for a couple hours before starting the story about Mary Rogers. I thought I would end up liking the Kate Grey story better but now that I'm done with Mary's I barely remember Kate's! Part of me wants to go research how her story really turned out and part of me wants to leave it alone as I enjoyed it so much!
I began this book on the heels of Alison Weir's The Life of Elizabeth I, and already had a strong dislike for this queen. Knowing the heartbreaking story of Katherine Grey didn't make her tale any easier to read and left me despising QEI all the more. I didn't know much at all about Mary Rogers' life but the end made me think QEI to be such a selfish woman---using everyone's lives to feed her flighty whims. One thing I appreciate the most about this author is she allowed both women to enter their romantic relationships as "honest women", though I'm removing one star for unnecessarily descriptive sex scenes.
I began this book on the heels of Alison Weir's The Life of Elizabeth I, and already had a strong dislike for this queen. Knowing the heartbreaking story of Katherine Grey didn't make her tale any easier to read and left me despising QEI all the more. I didn't know much at all about Mary Rogers' life but the end made me think QEI to be such a selfish woman---using everyone's lives to feed her flighty whims. One thing I appreciate the most about this author is she allowed both women to enter their romantic relationships as "honest women", though I'm removing one star for unnecessarily descriptive sex scenes.
July 15, 2018
Posted first on my blog The Purple Booker
I wanted to like this book so much more then I did. I read some of the reviews, but since I have enjoyed other books by the author and do love historical fictions in the time of Elizabeth I, it seemed like this would be a hit read. Sadly for me this book did fall a little bit flat. It was not a completely awful book but in the end it was just a bit repetitive and trite overall.
On nearly every single page at least once we the reader were reminded that at any moment Lady Katherine Grey could be named the heir to the throne. This of course was seen as a totally awful thing that the Lady did not want and we were told again and again how much she didn't want it. With that being the very loud overall theme it was a little harder to get into the other events going on over that kind of noise.
It also felt for me that a lot of the characters were not fully fleshed out and I felt many of them were vapid because of this. With those negatives said there were some bright moments here and there. The book also flowed fairly well which is what saved it from a lower rating. My end thoughts are if you want to take a chance on a book give it a try. Otherwise if you don't have much interest in the time period or taking risks give it a pass.
I wanted to like this book so much more then I did. I read some of the reviews, but since I have enjoyed other books by the author and do love historical fictions in the time of Elizabeth I, it seemed like this would be a hit read. Sadly for me this book did fall a little bit flat. It was not a completely awful book but in the end it was just a bit repetitive and trite overall.
On nearly every single page at least once we the reader were reminded that at any moment Lady Katherine Grey could be named the heir to the throne. This of course was seen as a totally awful thing that the Lady did not want and we were told again and again how much she didn't want it. With that being the very loud overall theme it was a little harder to get into the other events going on over that kind of noise.
It also felt for me that a lot of the characters were not fully fleshed out and I felt many of them were vapid because of this. With those negatives said there were some bright moments here and there. The book also flowed fairly well which is what saved it from a lower rating. My end thoughts are if you want to take a chance on a book give it a try. Otherwise if you don't have much interest in the time period or taking risks give it a pass.
July 10, 2018
The Virgin's Daughters looks at two ladies in waiting to the long reigning Elizabeth I. The title is a little misleading. I had thought this book a theory on Elizabeth having a bastard daughter, but instead it focuses on her relationship with her ladies in waiting and her maternal role in their lives. The story is broken into two parts. The first part looks at the ill-fated Katherine Grey and her relationship with Edward Seymour. The second is of Mary Rogers. Both women long to follow their hearts while their sovereign tries to take them down a separate path. I think the two parts are to show the change in Elizabeth more than anything else. The story is enjoyable, but it got a little slow towards the end. i also wanted to know more of Katherine's life in exile.
October 9, 2018
A book about Elizabeth I, but not really about her, although she is a central character. This book is more about two of her Ladies In Waiting, Lady Katherine Grey, who served Elizabeth when she was young. And Mary Rogers, who served her when she was old, until the end of her life.
All three of them suffered. Elizabeth denied love to keep her throne, which made her bitter and she expected her ladies to do the same. Katherine denied her Queen for love and paid for it dearly. And Mary denied her love for her Queen, but at least that one had a happy ending, even though they played a very long waiting game.
I thought what Elizabeth did to Katherine Grey, was really rather cruel. I understand she thought they were a threat to her throne, as they both had royal connections, but separating the family like that was cold. It was another side to Elizabeth that you don't see often written about in historical fiction.
I preferred Mary's story to Katherine's, but I didn't expect Katherine's to just end so suddenly. This wasn't a bad book, but like I've said before, always seem to struggle with books set during Elizabeth I reign.
All three of them suffered. Elizabeth denied love to keep her throne, which made her bitter and she expected her ladies to do the same. Katherine denied her Queen for love and paid for it dearly. And Mary denied her love for her Queen, but at least that one had a happy ending, even though they played a very long waiting game.
I thought what Elizabeth did to Katherine Grey, was really rather cruel. I understand she thought they were a threat to her throne, as they both had royal connections, but separating the family like that was cold. It was another side to Elizabeth that you don't see often written about in historical fiction.
I preferred Mary's story to Katherine's, but I didn't expect Katherine's to just end so suddenly. This wasn't a bad book, but like I've said before, always seem to struggle with books set during Elizabeth I reign.
March 7, 2020
I struggled to keep my interest in this historical fiction book. Half the book follows Lady Katherine Grey who is one of the queen's ladies but ends up secretly marrying a man without the Queen's permission and ends up separated from him and her children for the rest of her life.
The book then suddenly switches to Mary Rogers who grew up with Lady Katherine during her banishment but we don't get to see any of that. We just see Mary go to court and become one of the Queen's ladies as well. She also falls in love unsanctioned but she gets a happy ending.
I definitely preferred the first half of the book and really struggled with Mary's story.
The book then suddenly switches to Mary Rogers who grew up with Lady Katherine during her banishment but we don't get to see any of that. We just see Mary go to court and become one of the Queen's ladies as well. She also falls in love unsanctioned but she gets a happy ending.
I definitely preferred the first half of the book and really struggled with Mary's story.
March 21, 2017
A very beautiful historical fiction and two heart touching love stories that simply fascinated me. The old smell and feeling of this book were amazing!!! I truly enjoyed it until the last page!
May 19, 2018
When I first picked up this book I thought it would be something in the vein of The Virgin's Daughter by Laura Andersen or The Virgin Queen's Daughter by Ella March Chase; an alternate history where Elizabeth I had children. However, this book was not like those at all and was about Elizabeth's metaphorical daughters, her ladies in waiting.
The book starts with Lady Katherine Grey, the sister of Jane Grey, who as the assumed heir to the throne, finds herself on the Queen's bad side when she elopes with Edward Seymour and produces not one but two sons. The second half of the book follows the lesser known Mary Rogers and her love for Sir John Harrington, a godson of Elizabeth and the purported inventor of the flush toilet.
I really liked the first part of the book with Katherine Grey's story. I've read a few novels from her perspective and this one did pretty good justice with her story, showing her as something other than a shallow and flighty girl. (I am a little annoyed that the book just doesn't acknowledge that she had another sister.) The second part of the book didn't seem to flow as well and felt a bit like the author had found two minor historical characters, changed quite a bit of their real history (they actually married a decade before , and awkwardly shoved them in the story of Elizabeth's relationship with Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex . I did like learning more about two people from the Elizabethan period that I hadn't come across before, but I wish their story was handled in a better way.
I recommend this book if you can't get enough of the Tudors. Its not the best book I've read, but its always enjoyable to spend some time at the Elizabethan court.
The book starts with Lady Katherine Grey, the sister of Jane Grey, who as the assumed heir to the throne, finds herself on the Queen's bad side when she elopes with Edward Seymour and produces not one but two sons. The second half of the book follows the lesser known Mary Rogers and her love for Sir John Harrington, a godson of Elizabeth and the purported inventor of the flush toilet.
I really liked the first part of the book with Katherine Grey's story. I've read a few novels from her perspective and this one did pretty good justice with her story, showing her as something other than a shallow and flighty girl. (I am a little annoyed that the book just doesn't acknowledge that she had another sister.) The second part of the book didn't seem to flow as well and felt a bit like the author had found two minor historical characters, changed quite a bit of their real history (they actually married a decade before , and awkwardly shoved them in the story of Elizabeth's relationship with Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex . I did like learning more about two people from the Elizabethan period that I hadn't come across before, but I wish their story was handled in a better way.
I recommend this book if you can't get enough of the Tudors. Its not the best book I've read, but its always enjoyable to spend some time at the Elizabethan court.
May 12, 2015
I am a big fan of historical fiction. This book may take liberties with historical fact, but historical accuracy is not the reason for reading the book. However, the first half of the book, the story of Lady Katherine Grey, was not riveting enough for me to want to dive right into the second half. I found the portrayal of Katherine to be annoying as she seemed foolish and weak. Elizabeth refuses to allow Katherine to marry her love, Ned, the Earl of Hertford. Katherine and Ned secretly marry and Katherine becomes pregnant. Both are imprisoned for treason and are later separated for life. I just didn't feel any compassion for the characters as their plan was doomed from the start. It seemed that two people who knew Elizabeth so well, would not have thought sneaking away to marry would make her change her mind. Of course, Elizabeth does not change her mind and the punishment she delivers is expected. This is of course what happened, I just didn't feel for the characters portrayed.
The second half focuses on the life of Mary Rogers who comes to court to serve Elizabeth. Mary grew up with Katherine Grey, who was in the charge of Mary's grandfather, Sir William Rogers. Mary learned about life at court from Katherine. At least the character of Mary has some spunk and fire. This makes her a more likable character that I wanted to root for. When her love for the queen's cousin, Sir John Harrington, is put off by her service to the queen and by the promise of her betrothal to another of Elizabeth's choosing, at least I believe there is hope for the couple. I enjoyed the portrayal of John Harrington and his daring capture of the queen's stag and his confronting of Lord Essex as he leads a failed uprising. It made the second half of the book more enjoyable and for me, saved the novel. Mary and John are finally allowed to marry upon the queen's death and did have the chance to live the love Elizabeth denied for herself.
Overall, it is an interesting look into how these historical figures day to day lives might have been. Worth reading for fans of Elizabeth I, and for lovers of historical fiction.
The second half focuses on the life of Mary Rogers who comes to court to serve Elizabeth. Mary grew up with Katherine Grey, who was in the charge of Mary's grandfather, Sir William Rogers. Mary learned about life at court from Katherine. At least the character of Mary has some spunk and fire. This makes her a more likable character that I wanted to root for. When her love for the queen's cousin, Sir John Harrington, is put off by her service to the queen and by the promise of her betrothal to another of Elizabeth's choosing, at least I believe there is hope for the couple. I enjoyed the portrayal of John Harrington and his daring capture of the queen's stag and his confronting of Lord Essex as he leads a failed uprising. It made the second half of the book more enjoyable and for me, saved the novel. Mary and John are finally allowed to marry upon the queen's death and did have the chance to live the love Elizabeth denied for herself.
Overall, it is an interesting look into how these historical figures day to day lives might have been. Worth reading for fans of Elizabeth I, and for lovers of historical fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2014
omg that dude who invented the toilet is totally Jon Snow`s ancestor! :D watch here
On a more serious note now: omg! a book about the time of the Tudors that features Elisabeth as a character! omgomg!
No, but really now. I have started this book with that in mind, because I absolutely love that part of history. It is purely fascinating to me. Although the back cover of the book clearly stated that it was about love and love intrigues i was a bit disappointed at how much of the story was just.about.cheesy.love. That was in the first hundred pages, then maybe I've gotten in a cheesy mood or maybe the story did get a bit better but I started enjoying the book more.
Being a historical FICTION, I never actually expect the book to follow the real events ad literam. However, as far as my knowledge goes, this book is pretty accurate in terms of characters and events. A nice surprise. It would be though, impossible for us to know any more than that, what really went in the heart of those people, but I think the author did a nice job bringing historical figures closer to our understanding. (except the love talk! God, I disliked that!
I think I'm going to go with a rating of 3.49 points (so yeah, 3 stars). It is a love story (or more, actually) as clearly stated (not that I am complaining, I knew what i was getting into) but I would have loved more emphasize on the customs, habits, more on the life in that era that is so dear to me.
December 26, 2010
I could read historical fiction novels about Tudor England every minute of every day. I personally prefer Phillipa Gregory's portrayals of the time, but I thought Jeane Westin also did a fabulous job. I really appreciated reading the story from two individuals who rarely make appearances in other novels. I also enjoyed this novel because it had more of a romantic tone than some of the other similar stories I have read. My only wish is that it included additional historical facts. I particularly would have liked to learn more about how Mary Rogers' family connected to Lady Katherine Grey (it was explained that they were relatives but with no specifics) and more about Essex's lineage. I did some research to learn more about him, but I would have preferred to have an historical note at the end of the novel. All in all though, I really enjoyed it and recommend it to Tudor England fans!
July 8, 2011
Elizabeth was certainly a colorful Queen and jealousy was a strong theme in her life story. These descriptions extended into Westin's novel and clearly impacted the lives of the other characters in the book. My qualm? I'm not really a fan of novels that aren't even really historical fiction but more so fiction. They take historical characters as the leads and the history ends there. However, the writing is smooth and entertaining, so if it IS your thing, you will enjoy this book.
September 17, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read through it even faster than usual. It was a fabulous concept ---- the Virgin's Daughters that. is and the I thought that the book was very well crafted. I enjoy books that take known facts, and extrapolate. I was sorry when the book ended and just can't wait for more from this author!
September 11, 2019
This was almost painful to get through. I was distracted through the first hundred pages, and I didn't care about the characters at all. The second half of the book brought in different characters which connected very loosely to the first part. Actually, the characters mentioned in the first part were only brought up a handful of times in the second part. I think the two sections could have been two separate books.
The author wrote a lot of details that added nothing to the story other than weighing it down. I think that's why it took me a bit longer to get through. I think I was also put off by an error. The queen was cutting part of a peacock off to serve someone. And then the person she was serving it to was getting a bit of pheasant. I had to go back and read a few times to make sure that it was right. Sure enough I write and both were written.
I think if I feel like a historical fiction book I'll stick with something written by Kate Emerson. She at least seems to know what she's doing.
The author wrote a lot of details that added nothing to the story other than weighing it down. I think that's why it took me a bit longer to get through. I think I was also put off by an error. The queen was cutting part of a peacock off to serve someone. And then the person she was serving it to was getting a bit of pheasant. I had to go back and read a few times to make sure that it was right. Sure enough I write and both were written.
I think if I feel like a historical fiction book I'll stick with something written by Kate Emerson. She at least seems to know what she's doing.
September 24, 2018
Nice writing, flowed very well. Katherine Grey’s story is always a sad one. The second story of Mary Rogers was one I didn’t know and I enjoyed it.
July 26, 2019
Loved it. Quick read and full of goodness on every page.
October 1, 2009
Splendidly written, The Virgin's Daughters, by Jeane Westin, captures the essence of service, honour and love in the court of Elizabeth I. Stories of ladies–in-waiting and their relationship and attachment to their queen are really tops in my list of favourites to read, in both fiction and non-fiction. So, I was peeked with interest in this particular novel, where the author unravels the turbulent love stories of two such ladies living similar journeys leading towards different outcomes.
The story begins with Lady Katherine Grey, sister of the beheaded Jane Grey- and cousin to Elizabeth I. Kate was torn between her love of service for the Queen and her lifelong love, Edward Seymore (in direct lineage with Jane Seymore, Henry VIII’s third wife; hence first cousin of Edward VI). Let’s just say that with lovers of such high pedigree, Kate’s position at court was of more than particular interest to all. Not only did Kate serve the Queen-she was also named successor to the throne, in accordance to the will of Henry VIII, her uncle. A marriage to her beloved ‘Ned’ invited the possibility of future male heirs; whom, Elizabeth deduced, would have most certainly jeopardized her throne.
The second part of the book is about Mary Rogers, a distant (and decades younger) cousin of both Elizabeth I and Katherine Grey. ‘Mouse’ as Elizabeth often called her, was more of a country girl than a noble. With great aspiration to completely devote herself to her Queen, Mary never swayed. When love to John Harrington (Elizabeth’s godson), was forbidden in order to permit a promised marriage of which Mary wanted no part, loyalty to her Queen again prevailed.
In conjunction, The Virgin’s Daughters, takes us through the life of the young and beautiful Elizabeth I and her tumultuous relationship with Robert Dudley, her impossible, yet everlasting love. The second part sees an aged and less lustrous Elizabeth in her ending years, with the Earl of Essex playing the role of deplorable substitute as favourite to the Queen. Throughout the book, we can sense Elizabeth’s emotions and reactions towards these men and the importance they held in her life. Consequently, Elizabeth’s decisions regarding her ladies were exercised through the reasoning and beliefs she held about love and loyalty and all that it entailed. It would only be logical for her to expect no less from those in her service- sacrifice for a higher purpose. Elizabeth reigned supreme and ultimately, love for her country always came first.
I really enjoyed reading about the deceptions and triumphs of these young women who suffered honorably for a cause they remained faithful to, until the end. The Queen was everything to them, much to their demise. And, although I cheered them on and wanted happiness and love for them both, it was often difficult for me to understand this total devotion for their sovereign. Most times I found Elizabeth to be cruel and even coarser than Henry VIII ever was. In fact, Elizabeth seemed cold, unmoved, vain, self-serving and completely incapable of love in any form. Harsh? No, I think it’s ingenious. Westin, I believe had me exactly where she wanted …completely magnetized by Elizabeth.
Throughout the book I kept hoping for my desolate heroines, and every time, the unexpected happened. I enjoy it when a book keeps me this entertained. As for Elizabeth, her portrayal, which had me despising her, also led me to an unwitting, yet forceful need to admire her. I’ve never been a die-hard fan of Elizabeth (yeah, I’m one of those-sorry), but her portrayal in this beautiful novel, manages to bring forth her greatness as ruler and sovereign without ever undermining her vulnerability as woman, lover and ...mother. Unfaltering to the end, Elizabeth was faithfully committed for the sake of a higher purpose. When seen under this light, I began to comprehend Elizabeth’s difficult choices and their impact on history. In The Virgin’s Daughters, the Queen’s verdict always determined love’s fate, albeit at a cost to all those involved…even Elizabeth.
Historically accurate and beautifully written, you will find more than just love stories to remember along with the insuperable power of a queen. The Virgin’s Daughters takes you deeper –distinguishing itself by making a significant impression that will leave you pondering about forbidden love and royal reasoning in the times of Elizabeth I.
Wonderful!
Special Thanks to Penguin Books:)
The story begins with Lady Katherine Grey, sister of the beheaded Jane Grey- and cousin to Elizabeth I. Kate was torn between her love of service for the Queen and her lifelong love, Edward Seymore (in direct lineage with Jane Seymore, Henry VIII’s third wife; hence first cousin of Edward VI). Let’s just say that with lovers of such high pedigree, Kate’s position at court was of more than particular interest to all. Not only did Kate serve the Queen-she was also named successor to the throne, in accordance to the will of Henry VIII, her uncle. A marriage to her beloved ‘Ned’ invited the possibility of future male heirs; whom, Elizabeth deduced, would have most certainly jeopardized her throne.
The second part of the book is about Mary Rogers, a distant (and decades younger) cousin of both Elizabeth I and Katherine Grey. ‘Mouse’ as Elizabeth often called her, was more of a country girl than a noble. With great aspiration to completely devote herself to her Queen, Mary never swayed. When love to John Harrington (Elizabeth’s godson), was forbidden in order to permit a promised marriage of which Mary wanted no part, loyalty to her Queen again prevailed.
In conjunction, The Virgin’s Daughters, takes us through the life of the young and beautiful Elizabeth I and her tumultuous relationship with Robert Dudley, her impossible, yet everlasting love. The second part sees an aged and less lustrous Elizabeth in her ending years, with the Earl of Essex playing the role of deplorable substitute as favourite to the Queen. Throughout the book, we can sense Elizabeth’s emotions and reactions towards these men and the importance they held in her life. Consequently, Elizabeth’s decisions regarding her ladies were exercised through the reasoning and beliefs she held about love and loyalty and all that it entailed. It would only be logical for her to expect no less from those in her service- sacrifice for a higher purpose. Elizabeth reigned supreme and ultimately, love for her country always came first.
I really enjoyed reading about the deceptions and triumphs of these young women who suffered honorably for a cause they remained faithful to, until the end. The Queen was everything to them, much to their demise. And, although I cheered them on and wanted happiness and love for them both, it was often difficult for me to understand this total devotion for their sovereign. Most times I found Elizabeth to be cruel and even coarser than Henry VIII ever was. In fact, Elizabeth seemed cold, unmoved, vain, self-serving and completely incapable of love in any form. Harsh? No, I think it’s ingenious. Westin, I believe had me exactly where she wanted …completely magnetized by Elizabeth.
Throughout the book I kept hoping for my desolate heroines, and every time, the unexpected happened. I enjoy it when a book keeps me this entertained. As for Elizabeth, her portrayal, which had me despising her, also led me to an unwitting, yet forceful need to admire her. I’ve never been a die-hard fan of Elizabeth (yeah, I’m one of those-sorry), but her portrayal in this beautiful novel, manages to bring forth her greatness as ruler and sovereign without ever undermining her vulnerability as woman, lover and ...mother. Unfaltering to the end, Elizabeth was faithfully committed for the sake of a higher purpose. When seen under this light, I began to comprehend Elizabeth’s difficult choices and their impact on history. In The Virgin’s Daughters, the Queen’s verdict always determined love’s fate, albeit at a cost to all those involved…even Elizabeth.
Historically accurate and beautifully written, you will find more than just love stories to remember along with the insuperable power of a queen. The Virgin’s Daughters takes you deeper –distinguishing itself by making a significant impression that will leave you pondering about forbidden love and royal reasoning in the times of Elizabeth I.
Wonderful!
Special Thanks to Penguin Books:)
Read
June 9, 2019Great book about the queens, things I forgot or never knew. I was so caught up in the story I thought I was there and missed it when I finished.
April 16, 2020
First, a quick note...while the people and many of the events of these two stories are true, Ms. Westin has altered some things, such as the dates when certain events occurred or extended a life by a few years or so. I mention this only because I've seen many nit-picky historical fiction reviewers out there who seem to get upset when things aren't told exactly as they happened...however that's what makes this FICTION.
Now, on to the story. This is a wonderful book about two different couples and the very different paths they take regarding their love and the very different outcomes that happen as a result. Katherine Grey (sister of the beheaded Lady Jane Grey, Queen of nine days) and Edward Seymour fall in love in the early days of Elizabeth's reign (early 1560's). Katherine is next in line for the throne (as stated in Henry VIII's will) but has NO desire for it. She lives only to serve her Queen and cousin, whom she truly loves. Elizabeth makes it very clear that Katherine and Ned can never be married. The joining of their royal blood (Edward is a close decedent of Queen Jane, Henry's 3rd wife), and the possibility of male heirs makes them a huge threat to Elizabeth's newly acquired throne, even though they want nothing to do with it. Kate and Ned,(as she calls him), defy the queen and end up paying a most extreme price for it, one Kate believes is worse than death. Their story is so sad, and while I understand why Elizabeth did what she did, I had to wonder how she could live with herself for being so cruel.
The second story is at the end of Elizabeth's reign (1599). Mary Rogers is a country girl who comes to work for the Queen as her Mistress of the Stool (it's about as glamorous as it sounds). She falls in love with Sir John Harrington (inventor of the toilet) who is the queen's Godson. Elizabeth knows of their love, but will not allow them to be together. She has promised Lord Howard, an aging cousin of the queen, Mary's hand in marriage once his sickly wife dies. Over the few years Mary works for the queen, they become very close. Mary loves her with all her heart and promises not to go against her wishes, though it is extremely difficult. In the end, the only thing that saves Mary from a miserable life as the wife of an old north country Lord is the queen's death. Mary and John's story has a much happier ending, but they were also not nearly as spontaneous and reckless as Kate and Ned.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book. If your a fan of historical fiction or Tudor-era, then this is a book for you. While I previously knew of these people and had a vague knowledge of what became of them, I am glad to have their whole story. They are characters of a time period that I love but are not the focus of your everyday Tudor novel. It was a nice change to learn about some new people. A great job by Ms. Westin, and I look forward to whatever she comes up with next.
Now, on to the story. This is a wonderful book about two different couples and the very different paths they take regarding their love and the very different outcomes that happen as a result. Katherine Grey (sister of the beheaded Lady Jane Grey, Queen of nine days) and Edward Seymour fall in love in the early days of Elizabeth's reign (early 1560's). Katherine is next in line for the throne (as stated in Henry VIII's will) but has NO desire for it. She lives only to serve her Queen and cousin, whom she truly loves. Elizabeth makes it very clear that Katherine and Ned can never be married. The joining of their royal blood (Edward is a close decedent of Queen Jane, Henry's 3rd wife), and the possibility of male heirs makes them a huge threat to Elizabeth's newly acquired throne, even though they want nothing to do with it. Kate and Ned,(as she calls him), defy the queen and end up paying a most extreme price for it, one Kate believes is worse than death. Their story is so sad, and while I understand why Elizabeth did what she did, I had to wonder how she could live with herself for being so cruel.
The second story is at the end of Elizabeth's reign (1599). Mary Rogers is a country girl who comes to work for the Queen as her Mistress of the Stool (it's about as glamorous as it sounds). She falls in love with Sir John Harrington (inventor of the toilet) who is the queen's Godson. Elizabeth knows of their love, but will not allow them to be together. She has promised Lord Howard, an aging cousin of the queen, Mary's hand in marriage once his sickly wife dies. Over the few years Mary works for the queen, they become very close. Mary loves her with all her heart and promises not to go against her wishes, though it is extremely difficult. In the end, the only thing that saves Mary from a miserable life as the wife of an old north country Lord is the queen's death. Mary and John's story has a much happier ending, but they were also not nearly as spontaneous and reckless as Kate and Ned.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book. If your a fan of historical fiction or Tudor-era, then this is a book for you. While I previously knew of these people and had a vague knowledge of what became of them, I am glad to have their whole story. They are characters of a time period that I love but are not the focus of your everyday Tudor novel. It was a nice change to learn about some new people. A great job by Ms. Westin, and I look forward to whatever she comes up with next.
October 13, 2014
Characters: Out of the two perspectives, I have to say that I enjoyed Mary Rogers more. I don't really know why, because I've read stories of Katherine Grey before and always found her to be a sympathetic character. When I read the end notes, I found a bit of explanation for Katherine Grey's rashness which makes sense - she was a woman grown without love and was constantly used for the ambition of others. All she truly wanted was to love and be away from the Court. She certainly put Elizabeth in a bind, and while I appreciate the situation, the least Elizabeth could have allowed was for her to at least visit her sons under close supervision. And even though Katherine had grown up in the way she had and was desperate for love, for some reason I found her not as sympathetic as I could have. Part of me wanted to slap her across the face during some of the scenes. She watched her sister and father beheaded; you'd think she would have more of a care. I guess this betrays her true naivete, particularly in regards to Elizabeth's character.
Now as for Mary... I only just realized upon reflection that I know NOTHING of her family. She had a grandfather but what of her parents? It seemed a bit strange to me that there was no mention of them (that I can remember, at least!) but that isn't a huge fault. I love the connection she had to Lady Grey, that she was with her during her final years and watched her slowly suffer and waste away. Mary, to a better extent than Lady Grey, seemed to understand Elizabeth and why she needed those around her to make her feel loved. I felt that she actually had a bit more care for her mistress, though perhaps she had it easier; a 60-something year old monarch is easier to feel sympathy for than a temperamental 30 year old.
It was just refreshing to get a different take on Elizabeth's possessiveness over her ladies, who she was supposed to be finding husbands for. As a young ruler, I can see the whole "I can't have love, so no one else can either" perspective, but it's somewhat surprising that as an older monarch she remained *still* as possessive. Even though none of this was told from Elizabeth's perspective, I still felt like I got to see plenty of Gloriana herself.
Plot: Though showing different significant events during Elizabeth's reign (Essex's revolution, ect) I felt that the story was carried more by the characters than the plot line. Of course, there were the various romances that you knew were going to get discovered, but the fun was in the journey with the characters as opposed to the inevitable.
Style: I liked how the author chose to present Elizabeth at the beginning and end of her reign through two different ladies. And though a minor thing, I enjoyed how she included quotes from Elizabeth at the beginning of each chapter.
Overall: If you like fiction about Elizabeth, add this to your collection.
Now as for Mary... I only just realized upon reflection that I know NOTHING of her family. She had a grandfather but what of her parents? It seemed a bit strange to me that there was no mention of them (that I can remember, at least!) but that isn't a huge fault. I love the connection she had to Lady Grey, that she was with her during her final years and watched her slowly suffer and waste away. Mary, to a better extent than Lady Grey, seemed to understand Elizabeth and why she needed those around her to make her feel loved. I felt that she actually had a bit more care for her mistress, though perhaps she had it easier; a 60-something year old monarch is easier to feel sympathy for than a temperamental 30 year old.
It was just refreshing to get a different take on Elizabeth's possessiveness over her ladies, who she was supposed to be finding husbands for. As a young ruler, I can see the whole "I can't have love, so no one else can either" perspective, but it's somewhat surprising that as an older monarch she remained *still* as possessive. Even though none of this was told from Elizabeth's perspective, I still felt like I got to see plenty of Gloriana herself.
Plot: Though showing different significant events during Elizabeth's reign (Essex's revolution, ect) I felt that the story was carried more by the characters than the plot line. Of course, there were the various romances that you knew were going to get discovered, but the fun was in the journey with the characters as opposed to the inevitable.
Style: I liked how the author chose to present Elizabeth at the beginning and end of her reign through two different ladies. And though a minor thing, I enjoyed how she included quotes from Elizabeth at the beginning of each chapter.
Overall: If you like fiction about Elizabeth, add this to your collection.
January 1, 2011
In her debut historical fiction novel, Jeane Westin explores the world of Queen Elizabeth I's court, particularly the early years. In a detailed, but somewhat unsure hand, Westin paints the world of sexually repressed court of Elizabeth I through the eyes of Elizabeth's ladies, whom she referred to as her "daughters." Thought Elizabeth thought of herself as a mother to the young women in her service, she held them to the same moral standard she forced on herself, which made it difficult for them to comply. In fact, in many cases, Elizabeth's "daughters" found themselves in the beds of seductive noblemen, or worse, pregnant.
The first half of the novel explores the story of Lady Katherine Grey, cousin to Elizabeth and younger sister of the doomed Lady Jane Grey who was queen of England for nine days. Though Katherine's family has been cast as traitors, Elizabeth has taken Katherine into her care and hopes to help better the reputation of her family and perhaps find Katherine a husband. More importantly, in Henry VIII's will, Katherine is named as the next heir to the throne after Elizabeth, and since Elizabeth has yet to marry, produce an heir or even name an heir, Katherine is the heir apparent -meaning she is one of the most desirable ladies on the marriage market. In a fascinating hand, Katherine's story of love and loss unfolds in a moving, unexpected way.
The second half of the novel takes place later on in Elizabeth's reign and focuses on Mistress Mary Rodgers, a commoner from a merchant family who uses her small connections to Elizabeth to become one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting. Though readers learn the rest of Katherine's story through Mary's eyes, Mary's story is not quite as compelling as Katherine's, and tends to be overshadowed by the deep tensions between Elizabeth, Robert Dudley and others at court. As Mary gets caught up in the lustful intrigues of the court, she finds that being one of the queen's "daughters" isn't as easy as she thought.
Though it has some flaws, The Virgin's Daughters is a compelling debut historical that's perfect for fans of British historical fiction. Now, I did read Westin's The Last Letter first, without the knowledge that it is actually a follow-up to this book, and I do believe that novel is superior, but it was worth going back and reading The Virgin's Daughters. The history is vivid and the details are strong, while the characters seem to come in and out of focus throughout a plot that runs the gambit from non-stop-page-turning suspense to near-painful dullness (especially in the Mary Rodgers half).
Not a bad debut, but if you're pressed for time, I'd go straight to His Last Letter.
The first half of the novel explores the story of Lady Katherine Grey, cousin to Elizabeth and younger sister of the doomed Lady Jane Grey who was queen of England for nine days. Though Katherine's family has been cast as traitors, Elizabeth has taken Katherine into her care and hopes to help better the reputation of her family and perhaps find Katherine a husband. More importantly, in Henry VIII's will, Katherine is named as the next heir to the throne after Elizabeth, and since Elizabeth has yet to marry, produce an heir or even name an heir, Katherine is the heir apparent -meaning she is one of the most desirable ladies on the marriage market. In a fascinating hand, Katherine's story of love and loss unfolds in a moving, unexpected way.
The second half of the novel takes place later on in Elizabeth's reign and focuses on Mistress Mary Rodgers, a commoner from a merchant family who uses her small connections to Elizabeth to become one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting. Though readers learn the rest of Katherine's story through Mary's eyes, Mary's story is not quite as compelling as Katherine's, and tends to be overshadowed by the deep tensions between Elizabeth, Robert Dudley and others at court. As Mary gets caught up in the lustful intrigues of the court, she finds that being one of the queen's "daughters" isn't as easy as she thought.
Though it has some flaws, The Virgin's Daughters is a compelling debut historical that's perfect for fans of British historical fiction. Now, I did read Westin's The Last Letter first, without the knowledge that it is actually a follow-up to this book, and I do believe that novel is superior, but it was worth going back and reading The Virgin's Daughters. The history is vivid and the details are strong, while the characters seem to come in and out of focus throughout a plot that runs the gambit from non-stop-page-turning suspense to near-painful dullness (especially in the Mary Rodgers half).
Not a bad debut, but if you're pressed for time, I'd go straight to His Last Letter.
November 1, 2018
The book is dry. I never felt a real connection with any of the characters, nor did I feel it absorbed me into the period itself.
January 10, 2013
I was not as in love with this book as I have been with others written during the Tudor period. Going in, you know that you are going to have two separate storylines: Katharine Grey and Mary Rogers. I did NOT know that they would be too entirely separate stories; this threw me a for a loop, for a bit. I was reading the first story and kept thinking, When am I going to read about Mary? Little did I know, they two women lived in drastically courts of Elizabeth I.
I had read some other novels about the Grey sisters so I was already familiar with Katharine's story, though I felt that it was sort of rushed. Trying to cram two love stories into 350 pages was a little much. I felt that these easily could have been two different books; separate the two stories, add a little to the beginning of each girl's love story and you've got two books!
I wasn't really attached to any of the characters, I didn't feel a strong connection to any of them. The writing did seem a little rushed, like the goal was to finish the book instead of to make the reader fall in love with either of the men or wish they were one of the women. It was an okay story, but I don't think I'll make time for a book by the same author.
I had read some other novels about the Grey sisters so I was already familiar with Katharine's story, though I felt that it was sort of rushed. Trying to cram two love stories into 350 pages was a little much. I felt that these easily could have been two different books; separate the two stories, add a little to the beginning of each girl's love story and you've got two books!
I wasn't really attached to any of the characters, I didn't feel a strong connection to any of them. The writing did seem a little rushed, like the goal was to finish the book instead of to make the reader fall in love with either of the men or wish they were one of the women. It was an okay story, but I don't think I'll make time for a book by the same author.
August 31, 2009
Historical fiction about two ladies in waiting to Elizabeth I. The novel covers the an early period in Elizabeth's reign through the eyes of Katherine Grey, Elizabeth's cousin who many saw as the queen's heir. Katherine also happens to be the sister of Lady Jane Grey, the nine days queen. Katherine does not want any part of the throne but instead wants to live quietly with the man that she loves. She marries in secret and earns the wrath of the queen because of it. The book then jumps to the last years of Elizabeth's life as seen through the eyes of Mary Rogers. Mary comes to court to serve the queen and also winds up falling in love. The queen wants to arrange Mary's marriage however to someone else.
The book provided insights into the personality of Elizabeth and how she could be benevolent one minute and paranoid for her safety and her throne the next. Both Katherine and Mary were intriguing characters as they had different motivations for being at court and serving the queen. While the book focused on the loves of the Katherine and Mary, there were also glimpses of Elizabeth's relationship with Robert Dudley.
The book provided insights into the personality of Elizabeth and how she could be benevolent one minute and paranoid for her safety and her throne the next. Both Katherine and Mary were intriguing characters as they had different motivations for being at court and serving the queen. While the book focused on the loves of the Katherine and Mary, there were also glimpses of Elizabeth's relationship with Robert Dudley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2011
I'll be honest with you, I read this book in October 2011 and it is right now December 28th that I am writing this review. This book wasn't bad but I don't have much of a memory of it. Partly due to the fact that I in the last few years probably half the books that I have read have been the same type of book set in either the courts before, during, or right after Henry VIII's reign. One can really only read so many before they start to run together.
I don't think I've read a book quite like this one set in Queen Elizabeth I's middle and later years of her reign. I think it very telling of her mind that she said her maids of honor couldn't get married. The book follows two such maids each who runs into a problem once she finds love in her majasty's court. I remember the first girl's story to be sad...especially so since the tale is set in at least a little bit of fact. A good book to have laying around the house for when you need a nice quick story.
I don't think I've read a book quite like this one set in Queen Elizabeth I's middle and later years of her reign. I think it very telling of her mind that she said her maids of honor couldn't get married. The book follows two such maids each who runs into a problem once she finds love in her majasty's court. I remember the first girl's story to be sad...especially so since the tale is set in at least a little bit of fact. A good book to have laying around the house for when you need a nice quick story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews