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The Queen's Governess
A fresh and intriguing historical novel told in the voice of Queen Elizabeth I's governess.
Katherine Ashley, the daughter of a poor country squire, happily secures an education and a place for herself in a noble household. But when Thomas Cromwell, a henchman for King Henry VIII, brings her to the royal court as a spy, Kat enters into a thrilling new world of the Tudor monarchs.
Freed from a life of espionage by Cromwell's downfall, Kat eventually befriends Anne Boleyn. As a dying favor to the doomed queen, Kat becomes governess and surrogate-mother to the young Elizabeth Tudor. Together they suffer bitter exile, assassination attempts, and imprisonment, barely escaping with their lives. But they do, and when Elizabeth is crowned, Kat continues to serve her, faithfully guarding all the queen's secrets (including Elizabeth's affair with the dashing Robert Dudley) . . . and ultimately emerging as the lifelong confidante and true mother-figure to Queen Elizabeth.
Katherine Ashley, the daughter of a poor country squire, happily secures an education and a place for herself in a noble household. But when Thomas Cromwell, a henchman for King Henry VIII, brings her to the royal court as a spy, Kat enters into a thrilling new world of the Tudor monarchs.
Freed from a life of espionage by Cromwell's downfall, Kat eventually befriends Anne Boleyn. As a dying favor to the doomed queen, Kat becomes governess and surrogate-mother to the young Elizabeth Tudor. Together they suffer bitter exile, assassination attempts, and imprisonment, barely escaping with their lives. But they do, and when Elizabeth is crowned, Kat continues to serve her, faithfully guarding all the queen's secrets (including Elizabeth's affair with the dashing Robert Dudley) . . . and ultimately emerging as the lifelong confidante and true mother-figure to Queen Elizabeth.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published December 17, 2009
109 people are currently reading
7142 people want to read
About the author
Karen Harper
78 books1,498 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE SOUTH SHORES TRILOGY (CHASING SHADOWS, DROWNING TIDES and FALLING DARKNESS.) Her latest historical is THE ROYAL NANNY. Please visit her website at www.KarenHarperAuthor and her fb page at www.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
November 30, 2017
I was quite intrigued by The Queen’s Governess initially. Harper creates an interesting background for Kat Ashley, and I was interested to see how she would get from these fictional beginnings to the position history tells us she later held. Through her interactions with Cromwell, an intriguing hidden world of secret agents and spies is hinted at, as is the sharp mind of Cromwell himself, and I definitely wanted to know more. Unfortunately, Harper’s Cromwell is not Mantel’s Cromwell, and that entire plot line is killed in its tracks when Cromwell is. Kat gets shipped off first to Anne Boleyn and then Elizabeth and develops a fierce devotion to them both, for reasons which are never shown. Look, to believe that a character has a fierce devotion to another character, I need to be shown why this is, and how it grows, maybe show some scenes of the characters being close or some insight into Kat’s thoughts. It’s more believable with Elizabeth, since Kat spends a lot of time with her as a child in the story, but with Anne she’s just a lady in waiting, and whilst she’s trusted with a couple of secrets Anne doesn’t seem to be particularly close to her.
Uncomfortably, The Queen’s Governess also drags up all the old Tudor myths again! Anne Boleyn having a sixth finger, Jane Parker being a snoop, Jane Parker and George Boleyn having an unhappy marriage, George Boleyn being homosexual… I am becoming really annoyed with the number of novels that are either poorly researched or insist upon dragging up disproven or baseless scandals for the sake of “spicing up” the story. It doesn’t make the story any better, it makes the novel come off as cheap, lurid, and nasty.
Also, where was the editor? "Queen Mary" is talked about before she becomes queen, "Prince Philip" is talked about after he's become King of Spain, and then there's these:
This scene describes Mary Tudor's coronation procession in 1553 CE. Anne of Cleves was not elderly at the time, but only 38 years old and in fact only six months older than Mary herself! Anne also kept her wits about her right up until her early death in 1557.
Um... Scotland? No, the Tudor realm did not include Scotland. I think Mary Queen of Scots would have something to say about that. These basic errors should have been caught in editing.
I don't know what to say about this book really. It has intriguing hints, and it's decently written in places, but it's kind of mediocre and Harper didn't make me really care for Kat Ashley's character. Added to that the old round of Tudor scandal and the poor editing, and it just doesn't make the grade for me.
5 out of 10
Uncomfortably, The Queen’s Governess also drags up all the old Tudor myths again! Anne Boleyn having a sixth finger, Jane Parker being a snoop, Jane Parker and George Boleyn having an unhappy marriage, George Boleyn being homosexual… I am becoming really annoyed with the number of novels that are either poorly researched or insist upon dragging up disproven or baseless scandals for the sake of “spicing up” the story. It doesn’t make the story any better, it makes the novel come off as cheap, lurid, and nasty.
Also, where was the editor? "Queen Mary" is talked about before she becomes queen, "Prince Philip" is talked about after he's become King of Spain, and then there's these:
p. 250: “She’d had to share it with the befuddled, elderly Anne of Cleves, who evidently thought the cheers for Mary’s heir were all for her and waved broadly, her hand often flailing before Elizabeth’s face.”
This scene describes Mary Tudor's coronation procession in 1553 CE. Anne of Cleves was not elderly at the time, but only 38 years old and in fact only six months older than Mary herself! Anne also kept her wits about her right up until her early death in 1557.
p. 298: “‘Your royal sister… has sadly departed this life, and left to you the Tudor throne and the realm of England, Scotland, and Ireland’”
Um... Scotland? No, the Tudor realm did not include Scotland. I think Mary Queen of Scots would have something to say about that. These basic errors should have been caught in editing.
I don't know what to say about this book really. It has intriguing hints, and it's decently written in places, but it's kind of mediocre and Harper didn't make me really care for Kat Ashley's character. Added to that the old round of Tudor scandal and the poor editing, and it just doesn't make the grade for me.
5 out of 10
June 18, 2018
This is a story of a true character, probably never explored before.
A young girl, Katherine Ashley, dreams of something bigger than living a country life and giving births. During a hunting accident near her house, Thomas Cromwell, powerful man of King Henry VIII’s court, is looking for help. He quickly recognizes a potential when he meets Kat. He sees somebody he can trust and use to spy for him.
She arrives at the court at the time when the first Queen is being replaced by Anne Boleyn. She survives the court intrigues for many years, witnessing further Queen replacements, until the sixth and the last Queen dies. Her biggest joy is to see her charge, Princess Elizabeth, become a Queen, who at early age already recognizes “the power of the common folk, the very backbone of England,” who yearns for religious tolerance.
It is an interesting view, hearing a story from the one who was probably the closest to Elizabeth, her “earthly mother.” It sheds a light at a different angle on the court of Henry VIII.
Overall, it is well-written and pretty interesting. Except, there were a few moments of slow pace. Therefore, 4 stars.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
https://bestinhistoricalfiction.blogs...
A young girl, Katherine Ashley, dreams of something bigger than living a country life and giving births. During a hunting accident near her house, Thomas Cromwell, powerful man of King Henry VIII’s court, is looking for help. He quickly recognizes a potential when he meets Kat. He sees somebody he can trust and use to spy for him.
She arrives at the court at the time when the first Queen is being replaced by Anne Boleyn. She survives the court intrigues for many years, witnessing further Queen replacements, until the sixth and the last Queen dies. Her biggest joy is to see her charge, Princess Elizabeth, become a Queen, who at early age already recognizes “the power of the common folk, the very backbone of England,” who yearns for religious tolerance.
It is an interesting view, hearing a story from the one who was probably the closest to Elizabeth, her “earthly mother.” It sheds a light at a different angle on the court of Henry VIII.
Overall, it is well-written and pretty interesting. Except, there were a few moments of slow pace. Therefore, 4 stars.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
https://bestinhistoricalfiction.blogs...
February 26, 2020
This wasn’t a bad book to read but, I have read Philippa Gregory’s version and liked it more. This was interesting but at times I found myself thinking I’ve read this before. Although it was taken from a different perspective (a governess) I still at times found myself wandering.
If you want to read about the Tudors I think Ms Gregory is the way to go.
If you want to read about the Tudors I think Ms Gregory is the way to go.
May 5, 2012
This was an excellent book about Elizabeth Tudor's governess, Katherine Ashley, who stayed with Elizabeth for over thirty years as her faithful caretaker and honorary mother. This novel illustrates the time Kat spent serving Elizabeth's mother, Queen Anne Boleyn, and how her relationship with Anne made Kat feel especially close to Elizabeth, who dealt with so many hardships in her life. It is also a beautiful love story - showing the courtship and marriage between Katherine and John Ashley, a horse master at court. Overall, I really loved how Karen Harper formed all of her characters, though some of them were extremely unlikable - such as Thomas Seymour (no surprise), and at times, Robert Dudley (which is my only complaint!). It was a very heartfelt story, which actually brought me close to tears a few times, especially when Kat would think back to her time with Anne Boleyn. This was a novel of love, devotion and kindness in Tudor times - which was a bit of a breath of fresh air. A lovely story that I highly recommend!
December 8, 2017
Really good retelling of Elizabeth Tudor's story as told by Kat Ashley. I've never read a story from her point of view before, which is a surprise as she was such a key part in Elizabeth's life .
I liked that Harper had made Kat against Tom Seymour and Robert Dudley. I really don't like either of them. Elizabeth had a terrible taste in men. In some other books I've read, they've had Kat encouraging Elizabeth to be with Tom and I really don't think that would have been the case.
I also loved that she told Kat and John's love story. It was very sweet. Would recommend for anyone in the depths of Tudormania.
I liked that Harper had made Kat against Tom Seymour and Robert Dudley. I really don't like either of them. Elizabeth had a terrible taste in men. In some other books I've read, they've had Kat encouraging Elizabeth to be with Tom and I really don't think that would have been the case.
I also loved that she told Kat and John's love story. It was very sweet. Would recommend for anyone in the depths of Tudormania.
September 6, 2011
Review from www.FreshFiction.com
Many know the history behind how Lady Elizabeth became the Virgin Queen. Few have dived into the lives of those who were closest to her from when she had the titles of princess, royal bastard, and thorn in Mary’s side. The Queen’s Governess gives us a view into the life of Katherine Chapernowne Ashley, a woman who spent most of her life at court serving some of the most famous names at the time. From her time as a spy for the ambitious Thomas Cromwell till she was named the First Lady of the Bedchamber for Queen Elizabeth, Kat Ashley saw court for what it truly was. A dangerous battle for power. This wonderful story tells readers how she survived.
Kat Ashley is a figure in history mostly known for being the mother figure for a princess who lost her mother at the age of two. She also had a couple famous stays in the infamous tower of London on the behalf of her young royal charge. This wonderful novel lets the reader see what life was like for a servant at court and the battles they had to fight for simple goals like marrying for love and not being labeled a traitor to the crown. During Kat Ashley’s many years at court, life was even more turbulent due to the lack of stability of the royal crown. Mistress Ashley witnessed Anne Boleyn rise to power and watched her fall just as quickly. Her main mission in life was to make sure Anne’s daughter did not come to the same fate as her head strong mother.
As a historical fiction novel, The Queen’s Governess does a wonderful job of giving the reader facts known about this extraordinary woman’s life while keeping you engaged in the story when Karen Harper must use fiction to fill the gaps. As a history buff, one of the things that I love the most are the author notes where Ms. Harper explains why she choose to take the story in a certain direction when history was not clear on Kat Ashley’s background. She gives the reader all scholastic theories on subjects such as Kat’s parentage and the spelling of her married name and explains why she used the information she gave in the story. Even though this novel is a work of fiction, I love the fact that Harper used actual events when available to give the reader a sense of who Kat was in real life. The parts of the story where fiction had to be used due to lack of historical fact or personal conversations, I feel Harper did a wonderful job writing the fictional element to flow perfectly with known fact. It is harder and harder to find novels written about historical figures that are true to the story of the person’s actual life. After reading A Queen’s Governess, I will eagerly look for other titles written by Karen Harper.
Many know the history behind how Lady Elizabeth became the Virgin Queen. Few have dived into the lives of those who were closest to her from when she had the titles of princess, royal bastard, and thorn in Mary’s side. The Queen’s Governess gives us a view into the life of Katherine Chapernowne Ashley, a woman who spent most of her life at court serving some of the most famous names at the time. From her time as a spy for the ambitious Thomas Cromwell till she was named the First Lady of the Bedchamber for Queen Elizabeth, Kat Ashley saw court for what it truly was. A dangerous battle for power. This wonderful story tells readers how she survived.
Kat Ashley is a figure in history mostly known for being the mother figure for a princess who lost her mother at the age of two. She also had a couple famous stays in the infamous tower of London on the behalf of her young royal charge. This wonderful novel lets the reader see what life was like for a servant at court and the battles they had to fight for simple goals like marrying for love and not being labeled a traitor to the crown. During Kat Ashley’s many years at court, life was even more turbulent due to the lack of stability of the royal crown. Mistress Ashley witnessed Anne Boleyn rise to power and watched her fall just as quickly. Her main mission in life was to make sure Anne’s daughter did not come to the same fate as her head strong mother.
As a historical fiction novel, The Queen’s Governess does a wonderful job of giving the reader facts known about this extraordinary woman’s life while keeping you engaged in the story when Karen Harper must use fiction to fill the gaps. As a history buff, one of the things that I love the most are the author notes where Ms. Harper explains why she choose to take the story in a certain direction when history was not clear on Kat Ashley’s background. She gives the reader all scholastic theories on subjects such as Kat’s parentage and the spelling of her married name and explains why she used the information she gave in the story. Even though this novel is a work of fiction, I love the fact that Harper used actual events when available to give the reader a sense of who Kat was in real life. The parts of the story where fiction had to be used due to lack of historical fact or personal conversations, I feel Harper did a wonderful job writing the fictional element to flow perfectly with known fact. It is harder and harder to find novels written about historical figures that are true to the story of the person’s actual life. After reading A Queen’s Governess, I will eagerly look for other titles written by Karen Harper.
March 7, 2012
Interesting. I didn't know much about Kat Ashley beyond that she was a favorite of Elizabeth's. As the author discusses in her notes, researching anyone in the Tudor-era can be challenging, and Kat herself is evidently quite a mystery; everything from how to spell her name to who her parents were and what year she was born in. So if the author played fast and loose with Kat's life in order to weave an interesting story, I think she can be forgiven.
I did feel, though, as if plausibility was being stretched a bit far at times, especially in the beginning, but the story grew on me as I went along, mainly because any story about the Tudors is going to suck me in. I came away from it feeling that I've read better but also read worse when it comes to historical fiction.
So far I haven't had any luck finding a full biography of Kat Ashley, beyond a few articles online. If anyone knows of one, please clue me in, I would love to read more about her. Despite any faults the novel might have, I found her to be a fascinating character. She must have been a strong woman to go through everything she did. I doubt I could have survived three months in the dreaded Fleet Prison, let alone everything else she went through. She's someone who is ever present when it comes to the Tudors in fiction and film, but usually overlooked so it was fun to read a story through her eyes.
If the link below works correctly, it will take you to a manuscript of William Cecil's state papers, which includes some mentions of Kat, as well as providing a good idea of just how challenging it can be to research Tudor sources (just trying to decipher a couple paragraphs made my head hurt, lol).
http://books.google.co.uk/ebooks?op=a...
I did feel, though, as if plausibility was being stretched a bit far at times, especially in the beginning, but the story grew on me as I went along, mainly because any story about the Tudors is going to suck me in. I came away from it feeling that I've read better but also read worse when it comes to historical fiction.
So far I haven't had any luck finding a full biography of Kat Ashley, beyond a few articles online. If anyone knows of one, please clue me in, I would love to read more about her. Despite any faults the novel might have, I found her to be a fascinating character. She must have been a strong woman to go through everything she did. I doubt I could have survived three months in the dreaded Fleet Prison, let alone everything else she went through. She's someone who is ever present when it comes to the Tudors in fiction and film, but usually overlooked so it was fun to read a story through her eyes.
If the link below works correctly, it will take you to a manuscript of William Cecil's state papers, which includes some mentions of Kat, as well as providing a good idea of just how challenging it can be to research Tudor sources (just trying to decipher a couple paragraphs made my head hurt, lol).
http://books.google.co.uk/ebooks?op=a...
August 4, 2018
Katherine Ashley was a long time supporter,favorite and governess of Elizabeth I and also as this book portrays her an educated and interesting woman.From Elizabeth I's earliest days to her escape from smallpox in 1560,Katherine acted as servant,teacher,friend and ultimately, substitute mother to the young queen to be.Here,Katherine first comes to the attentions of Cromwell and is placed in the household of Queen Anne Boleyn as a spy.As Katherine watches Anne's reign come to it's tragic end she is sworn to serve her three year old daughter.What follows is an account of Elizabeth's struggle to attain the throne from Katherine's viewpoint.A fun,quick read.
June 5, 2011
I always enjoy historical fiction with a fresh perspective. Katherine (Kat) Ashley has always been in the background, so I like how Karen Harper brings her to the forefront. She starts with her as a poor girl that Thomas Cromwell brings in as a spy. Then we see how she becomes Elizabeth's Governess and how their relationship withstands the good and bad. I enjoyed the part about Ann Boleyn's locket ring (with picture of mother and daughter inside.) The ring does exist, but no one really seems to knows the truth behind it, so I enjoyed that added perspective.
July 16, 2020
It is an interesting view, hearing a story from the one who was probably the closest to Elizabeth, her “earthly mother.” It sheds a light at a fresh angle on the court of Henry the VIII. For anyone who loves British history, especially the Tudors, this is a very entertaining book. Even though I knew what was coming next, Karen Harper made it very alive and flowing. Full review you can find on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com/...
abandoned
May 21, 2012I yield, this is just not the book for me. I can't handle all these *secrets* Kat stumbles across, let alone one more book with Jane Rochford sneaking around spying through keyholes. Ack. Others are waiting their turn at the library, it's going back.
July 18, 2018
"Anne Boleyn gave me life, but Kat Ashley gave me love."
The Queen's Governess is a novel in the voice of Kat Ashley, Elizabeth I's famous adviser, friend, and mother figure. I was so excited to read this book; anyone who loves the Tudors is familiar with Kat Ashley, but she has never had her own book. Finally, Karen Harper is giving her a voice!
This book made me appreciate just how little we know, really, about Kat Ashley. In Harper's Afterward, she mentions how difficult this book was to research. We don't know who Kat's parents were or exactly where she was from. What we do know is that Kat was incredibly well educated; she was appointed as Elizabeth's governess in 1537, when the little princess was four, and taught the future monarch astronomy, geography, history, mathematics, French, Flemish, Italian and Spanish (ref: Wikipedia). Knowledge of such diverse subjects was certainly not the norm for mid- to low-born noblewomen in the sixteenth century. Who was Kat Ashley? Where did she come from?
Harper imagines Kat Ashley as the daughter of a poor country squire whose life is forever changed when she meets Thomas Cromwell and his companions while the group is traveling on the road near her father's house. After a few brief conversations, Cromwell decides that Kat is an exceptional young woman and will serve his own cause as a spy. A spy! Kat is shipped, at Cromwell's command, to a distant cousin's house to serve the family. While tending to the children, Kat sits in on their lessons and acquires the vast knowledge that will allow her to serve as Elizabeth's governess later in life.
Cromwell allows Kat a few years to complete her education before calling her to court to spy on Henry VIII's love interest, Anne Boleyn. Kat quickly learns, thanks to Cromwell's inside scoop, and supplemented by palace gossip, that the plan is for Henry to divorce his wife and marry Anne, which naturally shocks Kat. She serves Anne Boleyn and grows close enough to the lady to gain her complete trust; before her execution, Anne gives Kat a piece of jewelry that has her portrait and Elizabeth's inside, with instructions to watch over her daughter and give her the jewelry when she is older.
Kat, as we all know, with complete loyalty, serves Elizabeth for the rest of her life. From Elizabeth's childhood estate at Hatfield, to imprisonment in the Tower, to Elizabeth's eventual triumph as Queen, Kat Ashley remains steadfast.
There were a few things about Kat Ashley that I wanted to know, but Harper didn't quite deliver.
Tell me more about Cromwell's spy network! The premise that Kat was an agent in Cromwell's pocket is fascinating, but Harper does not give us very much information. Kat doesn't give Cromwell very much information either. What exactly was he gaining from her? She never really comes across any intel that he doesn't already have, and this plot point ends when Cromwell dies.
Why was Kat so close to Anne Boleyn? We are told that Anne Boleyn entrusts Kat Ashley, over anyone else, to protect her daughter. However, Kat is just another one of Anne's ladies, and their interaction is very limited. When Kat first arrives at court, the two woman have an exciting, whispered conversation establishing that Kat is corresponding with Cromwell and is thus to be trusted. After this, they don't have any special relationship. I want to believe that they are very close, but Harper does not give us any reason to believe there is a special relationship between the two.
What I liked:
Kat Ashley and Elizabeth I's relationship was very believable. Harper did establish that these two women were very close and I very much enjoyed reading about the special bond Elizabeth I shared with Kat, who was very much her mother figure.
Thomas Seymour. This guy is so creepy. I loved that he and Kat had a history and how this drove Kat to fervently defend the young Elizabeth against him.
Overall, this book was an average work of historical fiction, but if you love the Tudors you will enjoy this new perspective.
The Queen's Governess is a novel in the voice of Kat Ashley, Elizabeth I's famous adviser, friend, and mother figure. I was so excited to read this book; anyone who loves the Tudors is familiar with Kat Ashley, but she has never had her own book. Finally, Karen Harper is giving her a voice!
This book made me appreciate just how little we know, really, about Kat Ashley. In Harper's Afterward, she mentions how difficult this book was to research. We don't know who Kat's parents were or exactly where she was from. What we do know is that Kat was incredibly well educated; she was appointed as Elizabeth's governess in 1537, when the little princess was four, and taught the future monarch astronomy, geography, history, mathematics, French, Flemish, Italian and Spanish (ref: Wikipedia). Knowledge of such diverse subjects was certainly not the norm for mid- to low-born noblewomen in the sixteenth century. Who was Kat Ashley? Where did she come from?
Harper imagines Kat Ashley as the daughter of a poor country squire whose life is forever changed when she meets Thomas Cromwell and his companions while the group is traveling on the road near her father's house. After a few brief conversations, Cromwell decides that Kat is an exceptional young woman and will serve his own cause as a spy. A spy! Kat is shipped, at Cromwell's command, to a distant cousin's house to serve the family. While tending to the children, Kat sits in on their lessons and acquires the vast knowledge that will allow her to serve as Elizabeth's governess later in life.
Cromwell allows Kat a few years to complete her education before calling her to court to spy on Henry VIII's love interest, Anne Boleyn. Kat quickly learns, thanks to Cromwell's inside scoop, and supplemented by palace gossip, that the plan is for Henry to divorce his wife and marry Anne, which naturally shocks Kat. She serves Anne Boleyn and grows close enough to the lady to gain her complete trust; before her execution, Anne gives Kat a piece of jewelry that has her portrait and Elizabeth's inside, with instructions to watch over her daughter and give her the jewelry when she is older.
Kat, as we all know, with complete loyalty, serves Elizabeth for the rest of her life. From Elizabeth's childhood estate at Hatfield, to imprisonment in the Tower, to Elizabeth's eventual triumph as Queen, Kat Ashley remains steadfast.
There were a few things about Kat Ashley that I wanted to know, but Harper didn't quite deliver.
Tell me more about Cromwell's spy network! The premise that Kat was an agent in Cromwell's pocket is fascinating, but Harper does not give us very much information. Kat doesn't give Cromwell very much information either. What exactly was he gaining from her? She never really comes across any intel that he doesn't already have, and this plot point ends when Cromwell dies.
Why was Kat so close to Anne Boleyn? We are told that Anne Boleyn entrusts Kat Ashley, over anyone else, to protect her daughter. However, Kat is just another one of Anne's ladies, and their interaction is very limited. When Kat first arrives at court, the two woman have an exciting, whispered conversation establishing that Kat is corresponding with Cromwell and is thus to be trusted. After this, they don't have any special relationship. I want to believe that they are very close, but Harper does not give us any reason to believe there is a special relationship between the two.
What I liked:
Kat Ashley and Elizabeth I's relationship was very believable. Harper did establish that these two women were very close and I very much enjoyed reading about the special bond Elizabeth I shared with Kat, who was very much her mother figure.
Thomas Seymour. This guy is so creepy. I loved that he and Kat had a history and how this drove Kat to fervently defend the young Elizabeth against him.
Overall, this book was an average work of historical fiction, but if you love the Tudors you will enjoy this new perspective.
June 16, 2018
4,25 stars - English hardcover - I have dyslexia - Thanks for the read Tilly 🦋😁🦋
February 4, 2019
Great historical novel, especially if you’ve visited to the London area, as you can revisit many places, such as the Tower of London and Westminter.
January 4, 2025
Edith Sitwell and Margaret George did a better job. I like the idea of using Kat Ashley as a narrator,though.
October 14, 2010
LOVE historical fiction and I love reading about Tudor England so this book was great for me! I have read a variety of books on this time period by a variety of authors and seen many movies/tv series of this time period but this was the first time I have heard from Elizabeth I's governess's point of view! What a life she lead and to such extremes! She came from seemingly humble beginnings with tragedy in her life already and then to be a "lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn and to witness her tragedy first hand. Then on to become Elizabeth's governess and in a way a mother figure to her the rest of her life. Tudor England would have been a scary time to live and Kat (the governess) definitely feared for her life a few times while working with the Tudors but in the end she seems to have been rewarded for all of her faithful, hard work!
I have heard of Anne's sixth finger mentioned in a few books so I am guessing this is true.
I have also read in a few different books about Thomas Seymour entering Elizabeth's bedroom while she was sleeping and also cutting her dress off of her in the gardens so I am guessing this is also a fact and not fiction as I thought the first time I read about it. I didn't know about him brutally raping Kat many years before he mistreated the 14 year old Elizabeth! Eek! What an awful man who probably got what he deserved when he was finally beheaded!
I loved the information at the end how the author, Karen Harper, researched Kat's life and all the contradictions she found due to spelling not being standardized, and records not being kept properly! Wherever Kat began life, she definitely led an amazing life!
I have heard of Anne's sixth finger mentioned in a few books so I am guessing this is true.
I have also read in a few different books about Thomas Seymour entering Elizabeth's bedroom while she was sleeping and also cutting her dress off of her in the gardens so I am guessing this is also a fact and not fiction as I thought the first time I read about it. I didn't know about him brutally raping Kat many years before he mistreated the 14 year old Elizabeth! Eek! What an awful man who probably got what he deserved when he was finally beheaded!
I loved the information at the end how the author, Karen Harper, researched Kat's life and all the contradictions she found due to spelling not being standardized, and records not being kept properly! Wherever Kat began life, she definitely led an amazing life!
June 17, 2011
There are several portrayels on Kat Ashley: Elizabeth's governess. One of strength and intelligence and a dear protector of Elizabeth even in times of Thomas Seymour's blatant flirtations and one of the usual drive for power in her young charge, striving to have Elizabeth reach the top. Harper's novel finds a middle ground and allows to see the motherly love that Ashley must have felt for Elizabeth, a youth who's mom was beheaded when she was merely about 3 years old.
A smooth and cohesive story, Harper teaches you about Kat and Elizbeth's relationship while also satisfying your tastebuds of the Tudor intrique we all know and love. Quirky and strong: words that describe not only the chracters within but the actual book itself.
A smooth and cohesive story, Harper teaches you about Kat and Elizbeth's relationship while also satisfying your tastebuds of the Tudor intrique we all know and love. Quirky and strong: words that describe not only the chracters within but the actual book itself.
July 29, 2016
Although this story was well-written it had a number of americanisms which were completely out of place in novel about Tudor England, and this irritated me a little. Also, I felt that it just lacked a little something to liven it up a bit, but having said that I did enjoy it over all. 3.5
September 8, 2017
I've heard of Kat and her special role with Elizabeth and Anne, but I admit I know very little of the governess who helped raise one of the world's most famous queens.
At first, I was not sure how I liked the format. The author decided to make it seem like Kat was writing a novel of her past. I grew to like it and it worked, but I did not like the random add-ins in the middle of paragraphs.It ruined the pace of the book I felt. I get that they were for further explanations or little snipbits of future events.
I like Kat a lot. She was a such a strong character even in her weak moments. She felt so real and if she was half of what the author presented, I can see how she influenced and helped strengthen a strong woman. Anne Boleyn would've been proud of who helped raise her daughter. I am glad Kat got her HEA. I was worried she was going to be all alone in a loveless marriage. She deserved to be loved.
This was really good. I liked how the characters were presented and I liked how the stories were shown. There were time skips for sure, but I felt it was important. I do wish there had been more time spent during Mary's reign. It did seem a little short for how scary that time period it was.
In the end, I'll give this 4 stars. Really good and I recommend it if you like historical fictions.
At first, I was not sure how I liked the format. The author decided to make it seem like Kat was writing a novel of her past. I grew to like it and it worked, but I did not like the random add-ins in the middle of paragraphs.It ruined the pace of the book I felt. I get that they were for further explanations or little snipbits of future events.
I like Kat a lot. She was a such a strong character even in her weak moments. She felt so real and if she was half of what the author presented, I can see how she influenced and helped strengthen a strong woman. Anne Boleyn would've been proud of who helped raise her daughter. I am glad Kat got her HEA. I was worried she was going to be all alone in a loveless marriage. She deserved to be loved.
This was really good. I liked how the characters were presented and I liked how the stories were shown. There were time skips for sure, but I felt it was important. I do wish there had been more time spent during Mary's reign. It did seem a little short for how scary that time period it was.
In the end, I'll give this 4 stars. Really good and I recommend it if you like historical fictions.
October 5, 2018
This is the first historical fiction book that I have read that I felt I really enjoyed and kept my interest throughout. It is told from the perspective of Elizabeth I’s governess. Not someone I had ever heard of and it looks like the author just made up the early beginnings of Kat’s life but a real person nonetheless.
The Tudors were a fascinating dynasty and Henry VIII with his 6 wives is a captivating story. I think it helps that Kat was alive for all 6 so you definitely go through the journey with her.
The only thing that falls down for me is that I have done a lot of reading around this time and the way the characters in the story speak and behave is just not reflective of the time period. Kat goes around practically telling everyone to call her ‘Kat’ which just would not have happened. And her behaviour with Tom Seymour also raises a huge number of eyebrows. Obviously completely unacceptable now, but at the time, due to the way Kat behaved, she should have expected nothing less.
The Tudors were a fascinating dynasty and Henry VIII with his 6 wives is a captivating story. I think it helps that Kat was alive for all 6 so you definitely go through the journey with her.
The only thing that falls down for me is that I have done a lot of reading around this time and the way the characters in the story speak and behave is just not reflective of the time period. Kat goes around practically telling everyone to call her ‘Kat’ which just would not have happened. And her behaviour with Tom Seymour also raises a huge number of eyebrows. Obviously completely unacceptable now, but at the time, due to the way Kat behaved, she should have expected nothing less.
September 4, 2020
This is an interesting view of history, as seen through the eyes of a woman, Kat Ashley, who serves both Anne Boleyn and the young Queen Elizabeth I. The writing is compared to Philippa Gregory but actually it's nowhere near as good as that and, in some cases, passages are rather overwritten.
But the heroine here is sparky and leads an interesting life which certainly kept me turning the pages. Although there's no character development that I could see, it doesn't much matter as the historical story itself is such a good one!
But the heroine here is sparky and leads an interesting life which certainly kept me turning the pages. Although there's no character development that I could see, it doesn't much matter as the historical story itself is such a good one!
August 27, 2024
So glad to have found an author specializing in Tudor-era historical fiction. And I’m grateful for my local bookstore that displays employees’ favorites so that I could find this book. Long live bookstores!
November 1, 2025
I haven’t read many books about the Tudor but this captivated me.
March 4, 2023
I really wanted to like this a lot more than I did. And that's not to say that I didn't like it but it was in a different class from historical fiction authors like Alison Weir, Hilary Mantel, or even Philippa Gregory, and that was disappointing to me because I love historical fiction and am always looking for a new favourite author in the genre. The core story was fine, although a word of warning, there is a fairly brutal rape scene in this book, so if that's something that is upsetting to you please be careful. My difficulty was that there were some really basic historical inaccuracies that even I as a total amateur in the history arena caught and thought there's no way she thought these were true if she did even the most rudimentary research. Such as saying that Anne of Cleves was 'elderly' and 'befuddled' at Queen Mary's coronation when she was in her thirties and never suffered from confusion. Glaring, ridiculous error. It wasn't the only one either.
As a main character I liked her portrayal of Kat and her husband John and thought it refreshing to see marriages depicted as happy and loving amidst so much chaos. I think she probably did a little bit of a hatchet job though on the book's other, more complex characters, and made them a bit one dimensional though.
I thought this book was okay story-wise and if you just want a fiction novel and care absolutely nothing for what really happened then you could do a lot worse than this book. If you like your historical fiction to be at least rooted in reality, then this is perhaps not for you.
As a main character I liked her portrayal of Kat and her husband John and thought it refreshing to see marriages depicted as happy and loving amidst so much chaos. I think she probably did a little bit of a hatchet job though on the book's other, more complex characters, and made them a bit one dimensional though.
I thought this book was okay story-wise and if you just want a fiction novel and care absolutely nothing for what really happened then you could do a lot worse than this book. If you like your historical fiction to be at least rooted in reality, then this is perhaps not for you.
May 28, 2010
I don't know what it is about the Tudors that makes me want to read historical fiction books about them-espcially ones that feature Anne Boleyn. Everyone knows how that story ends-but I'm still captivated and love being tossed back through time. One of the things that drew me to this book was that it featured- Katherine "Kat" Ashley, the governess to Anne Boleyns daughter, the future Queen of England-Elizabeth. In almost every book I've read about this time her name has come up, but she's never a central figure in any of the stories. I thought it would be interesting to see a perspective from a person who wasn't a key player in the whole Tudor drama.
The story begins with the beheading of Anne Boleyn, and how upset Kat is over what has happened to the Queen, and can't believe how far she has come since growing up in Devon. We then go back in time to Kats time in Devon, and see how she rises from a poor country girl to someone working in the Queens entourage. A chance encounter with Thomas Cromwell-who hasn't yet come into his full power, makes him realize that Kat is super smart for a country girl, and would a perfect spy for him in the royal household. A few years go by, and Katherine thinks Cromwell has forgotten about their deal that would finally take her to London. Cromwell hasn't forgotten her-he was busy working his way up and becoming more and more powerful. When he sees that Anne Boleyn is close to in becoming the next Queen of England, Cromwell calls upon Kat to become a spy in her chamber. In politics things are never as they seem, and Kat quickly becomes caught up in court life. There is a romance story and a semi love triangle that made this book enjoyable to read along with the tale of the Tudors.
I am so torn about this book. On the one hand, the story was engrossing, the characters were likable, and I enjoyed hearing about the Tudors from a third persons point of view. I was convinced I was going to absolutely love this book, when halfway through the book I started noticing that there was a lot of modern day English being used for a story being set in the 1500s. Normally this doesn't bother me-there's nothing I hate more then a lot of "art thous" and the like. However, I sincerely doubt that the word lame was ever thought of by Kat Ashley. I also highly doubt that Queen Elizabeth ever said the words Like, now-but maybe I'm just being too judgmental. I didn't mind the tweaking of historical events to fit the storyline as much as the modern English thrown in did-it just took away something from the story for me.
Aside from the modern English used and a few tweeks of historical events that happen with all works of historical fiction, because it's well, fiction this was an enjoyable read-and I would like to read other books by the author because I'm a sucker for historical fiction.
The story begins with the beheading of Anne Boleyn, and how upset Kat is over what has happened to the Queen, and can't believe how far she has come since growing up in Devon. We then go back in time to Kats time in Devon, and see how she rises from a poor country girl to someone working in the Queens entourage. A chance encounter with Thomas Cromwell-who hasn't yet come into his full power, makes him realize that Kat is super smart for a country girl, and would a perfect spy for him in the royal household. A few years go by, and Katherine thinks Cromwell has forgotten about their deal that would finally take her to London. Cromwell hasn't forgotten her-he was busy working his way up and becoming more and more powerful. When he sees that Anne Boleyn is close to in becoming the next Queen of England, Cromwell calls upon Kat to become a spy in her chamber. In politics things are never as they seem, and Kat quickly becomes caught up in court life. There is a romance story and a semi love triangle that made this book enjoyable to read along with the tale of the Tudors.
I am so torn about this book. On the one hand, the story was engrossing, the characters were likable, and I enjoyed hearing about the Tudors from a third persons point of view. I was convinced I was going to absolutely love this book, when halfway through the book I started noticing that there was a lot of modern day English being used for a story being set in the 1500s. Normally this doesn't bother me-there's nothing I hate more then a lot of "art thous" and the like. However, I sincerely doubt that the word lame was ever thought of by Kat Ashley. I also highly doubt that Queen Elizabeth ever said the words Like, now-but maybe I'm just being too judgmental. I didn't mind the tweaking of historical events to fit the storyline as much as the modern English thrown in did-it just took away something from the story for me.
Aside from the modern English used and a few tweeks of historical events that happen with all works of historical fiction, because it's well, fiction this was an enjoyable read-and I would like to read other books by the author because I'm a sucker for historical fiction.
September 23, 2015
That was an interesting reading. I didn't know much about who was Kat Ashley. Whenever i read something about Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth, i never paid much attention about Kat's devotion to them. Honestly, reading this book, i couldn't understand the "devotion" of Kat to Anne, because i think the writter didn't give much lines about it. I think her moments, during Anne Boleyn's court was too quickly! But of course, the focus here is: the relationship between Kat and Elizabeth. Of course, if she was sent to be the Elizabeth's governess, it means that Anne trusted Kat! So, it was very interesting to read about it! It was also interesting to know more about who was Thomas Seymour! When i read about Kateryn Parr or even Elizabeth, i always thought that he was indeed a charlatan! I liked the fact, that the writter brought here all the rumours and even real events about what happened during Tudors reign! And with that, she gave to readers lots to think and wonder about it! Kat was the mother Elizabeth, didn't have! But even educated by Kat, it didn't help to change her strong personality and temper, just liker Elizabeth's parents! Both the princess (and later Queens) Mary and Elizabeth, grew up in a hostile treatment! They were seeing all the time, as a treat to their own father, Henry VIII. He never even loved them! So, their sad childhood, forged the fearful Queens! Kat was indeed faithful to Elizabeth! The woman was a prisoner twice, just for being loyal to Elizabeth. She endured so much and all for love to her Princess/Queen!
September 6, 2010
Often showing up as a supporting character in novels about Queen Elizabeth I, Kat Ashley, Elizabeth's governess, finally gets to tell her story. In "The Queen's Governess," Katherine Champernowne Ashley loses her mother at an early age and under suspicious circumstances. She comes from a poor family, but by helping Thomas Cromwell at the beginning of the story, she gains his respect and works for Cromwell as a spy of sorts. Her connection to Cromwell leads her to the Tudor Court at a time when King Henry VIII is seeking a divorce from Queen Katherine in order to marry Anne Boleyn. Soon after Anne is crowned Queen of England, Kat is sent to serve in Princess Elizabeth's household. As Anne's downfall progresses, Anne requests that Kat always look after Elizabeth, in which Kat promises she will do all she can to protect Anne's daughter.
Kat identifies with the motherless Elizabeth and grows very fond of her charge. She is in the center of many turmoils that surround Elizabeth during the reigns of Edward VI and Mary I, but is always loyal to Elizabeth and loves her as if she is her own daughter. Kat's story is fascinating and I found the book incredibly hard to put down. I admired the author's characterization of Kat Ashley and believe she had a large impact on the life of Queen Elizabeth I. I highly recommend this book! Very entertaining!
Kat identifies with the motherless Elizabeth and grows very fond of her charge. She is in the center of many turmoils that surround Elizabeth during the reigns of Edward VI and Mary I, but is always loyal to Elizabeth and loves her as if she is her own daughter. Kat's story is fascinating and I found the book incredibly hard to put down. I admired the author's characterization of Kat Ashley and believe she had a large impact on the life of Queen Elizabeth I. I highly recommend this book! Very entertaining!
February 10, 2017
Another Entertaining History Lesson from Karen Harper
(Look elsewhere for a summary.)
I did not think I'd like this book although I really enjoyed The Royal Nanny and had faith that Harper could deliver. I simply did not want to hear any more about Elizabeth I, or I thought I didn't anyway! Yes, many of us know the story of Anne Boleyn and her famous daughter. So I braced myself for another overly sentimentalized take on Elizabeth and Robert Dudley, so on and so forth, but I was truly surprised by the handling of Elizabeth's story. I love Harper's choice of narrator, an Elizabethan character new to me. Even if you think you have read it all when it comes to Elizabeth I, give The Queen's Governess a chance to teach and surprise you.
(Look elsewhere for a summary.)
I did not think I'd like this book although I really enjoyed The Royal Nanny and had faith that Harper could deliver. I simply did not want to hear any more about Elizabeth I, or I thought I didn't anyway! Yes, many of us know the story of Anne Boleyn and her famous daughter. So I braced myself for another overly sentimentalized take on Elizabeth and Robert Dudley, so on and so forth, but I was truly surprised by the handling of Elizabeth's story. I love Harper's choice of narrator, an Elizabethan character new to me. Even if you think you have read it all when it comes to Elizabeth I, give The Queen's Governess a chance to teach and surprise you.
January 2, 2021
The Queen's Governess is a fascinating look into the lives of the wives of Henry VIII, seen through the lens of a very likable young lady, Kat Ashley, with ambition who rises to become an important member of the royal court or household. There is much intrigue and suspense; an understanding is gained of the perils of being a member of the King's court. Kat becomes, in effect, a spy, in exchange for her position, reporting anything thing she sees or overhears that may be of interest or importance to a personage in the upper ranks.
Anyone can be accused and convicted of treason, confined in the Tower, sometimes being tortured or at worst, losing their life at the hands of an executioner, as did some of the wives of King Henry VIII. Our main character meets and falls in love with a charming man in charge of the king's horses. Will they be able to have a normal life together as they are frequently assigned to different houses of the King and Queen?
The queen's governess becomes very close to young Elizabeth, daughter of Anne Boleyn and promises Anne that she will always be Elizabeth's protector. That promise leads to much drama and unexpected events throughout this exciting historical novel. Kat Ashley was an actual person, and the author has taken pains to do exhaustive research to weave factual information into the fiction.
Anyone can be accused and convicted of treason, confined in the Tower, sometimes being tortured or at worst, losing their life at the hands of an executioner, as did some of the wives of King Henry VIII. Our main character meets and falls in love with a charming man in charge of the king's horses. Will they be able to have a normal life together as they are frequently assigned to different houses of the King and Queen?
The queen's governess becomes very close to young Elizabeth, daughter of Anne Boleyn and promises Anne that she will always be Elizabeth's protector. That promise leads to much drama and unexpected events throughout this exciting historical novel. Kat Ashley was an actual person, and the author has taken pains to do exhaustive research to weave factual information into the fiction.
December 2, 2013
One of the reasons I love Karen Harper's books is that she chooses really interesting characters to base novels on (such as Mary Boleyn before TOBG). This one was Kat Ashley, someone who I knew of course, but didn't know anything about her. I was totally fascinated reading about her early life. I had no idea she was a Cromwell spy; I had no idea she had worked for Anne Boleyn. She must have had the most amazing real life, being at the Tudor court for such a span. I want to read more and more about her now. I thought Harper captured the terror of court with Henry the VIII and Queen Mary very well. I almost got caught up in the book wondering if she was going to be burned at the stake, of course realizing later that I know what really happened.
SPOILER: Although I didn't really like two things - the alleged rape by Thomas Seymour took up way too much of the book for something was essentially conjecture. We don't know if that really happened right? Also the apparitions of Anne were kind of eye-rolling to me. I don't believe that the spirit of Anne was guiding her in any way. I don't think that should have been such an integral plot point, especially at the end when Elizabeth had the small pox.
But overall this was a really fascinating read, and I enjoyed the book very much.
SPOILER: Although I didn't really like two things - the alleged rape by Thomas Seymour took up way too much of the book for something was essentially conjecture. We don't know if that really happened right? Also the apparitions of Anne were kind of eye-rolling to me. I don't believe that the spirit of Anne was guiding her in any way. I don't think that should have been such an integral plot point, especially at the end when Elizabeth had the small pox.
But overall this was a really fascinating read, and I enjoyed the book very much.
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