The Reluctant Queen: And Other Reformation Women

by Elaine Snuggs

The women in this book – Lady Jane Grey, Anne Askew, Katherine Parr and Catherine Willoughby were Christian women of outstanding courage and conviction. Each was transformed by the teachings of the Reformation and experienced its dramas and dangers.

Elaine Snuggs has researched widely and deeply to portray for us four remarkable women living through a fascinating period in history, a period with immense consequences for England and indeed the world. The women are both well known (Katharine Parr, sixth and surviving wife of Henry VIII, and Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days Queen) and not so well known (martyr Anne Askew and Catherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk).

These were not flawless heroines but in their times of trial showed themselves to be brave, intelligent, educated women, of strong character and radiant spirit, living for the Lord who had saved them and whom they had come to know as the only Saviour and Redeemer by grace alone through faith alone.

See how God has exercised his sovereignty in history – in the public sphere as well as in the lives of individuals, and be inspired to love Christ more, and live for him.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2022

About the author

Elaine Snuggs has a degree in history from Southampton University and a postgraduate diploma from the College of Librarianship Wales. She worked for Dorset County Library and later helped her husband run the Dunstable Christian bookshop. They have a son and two grandchildren and now live in West Yorkshire.

Reviews

[Emma S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know much about these women before reading, but finished the book feeling thankful for their clear faith and commitment to Biblical truth. As educated women who knew Scripture and knew the gospel for themselves, they supported religious reforms and advanced the cause of the Reformation in many ways: they were patrons of translations of key texts; influences on both King Henry VII and his son; women who faced persecution for their faith with steadfastness and integrity. We could learn a lot from them.

Three stars because the writing felt a little dry at times. But then, I usually find history books quite difficult to read, so it might just have been me.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am easy, interesting, and engaging read

[Voirrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although clearly written from the perspective of how their religion shaped their lives, this is a fascinating look at the Tudor period when, even now, history is so often seen through the male gaze.