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Secrets of the Tudor Court #3
By Royal Decree
Charming. Desirable. Forbidden. Brought to court with other eligible young noblewomen by the decree of King Henry VIII, lovely Elizabeth "Bess" Brooke realizes for the first time that beauty can be hazardous. Although Bess has no desire to wed the aging king, she and her family would have little choice if Henry's eye were to fall on her. And other dangers exist as well, for Bess has caught the interest of dashing courtier Will Parr. Bess finds Will's kisses as sweet as honey, but marriage between them may be impossible. Will is a divorced man, and remarriage is still prohibited. Bess and Will must hope that the king can be persuaded to issue a royal decree allowing Will to marry again . . . but to achieve their goal, the lovers will need royal favor. Amid the swirling alliances of royalty and nobles, Bess and Will perform a dangerous dance of palace intrigue and pulse-pounding passions.
353 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2010
24 people are currently reading
2127 people want to read
About the author
Kate Emerson
13 books218 followersKate Emerson is a pseudonym used by Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the Face Down Mysteries featuring Susanna Appleton, 16th century gentlewoman, herbalist, and sleuth, the award-winning How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries, and a wide assortment of other books.
She was born in Liberty, New York and recieved an A.B. from Bates College and an MA from Old Dominion University. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations. She currently lives in rural Western Maine with her husband and three cats.
"Kate Emerson" is her pseudonym to distinguish her historical novels set in the Tudor era (England 1485-1603) that feature real but little known historical figures as the protagonists.
Series:
* Secrets of the Tudor Court
She was born in Liberty, New York and recieved an A.B. from Bates College and an MA from Old Dominion University. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations. She currently lives in rural Western Maine with her husband and three cats.
"Kate Emerson" is her pseudonym to distinguish her historical novels set in the Tudor era (England 1485-1603) that feature real but little known historical figures as the protagonists.
Series:
* Secrets of the Tudor Court
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 8, 2024
This book was pleasant enough but the second half of the book read more like a laundry list of the historical highlights between Henry's death and Elizabeth's reign. Just not enough fictional story to make me care.
(Reviewed 1/30/11)
(Reviewed 1/30/11)
August 9, 2012
3.5 Stars
This is my 3rd Emerson read. Her first novel was overly fluffy. The second was better, but more speculation. In this one, I believe she tried to be more serious. More factual, but she almost tried too hard to prove her historical points. She found a way to write "royal decree" and "Henry might behead you" into every other page. I look at Emerson books as Historical Fiction for Beginners. That's not a bad thing, but for those of us who know the history, it can get repetitious and we can easily skim. If you are not familiar with this time period "Royal Decree" (couldn't help myself) is a great introduction to Henry VIII's final years and the Wyatt rebellion towards Mary. I will give Emerson her due. In this novel I felt she was more historically accurate. It's an easy read and a nice break when you simply want to read something light, but not far fetched story telling like many of the HF books available today. I like that Emerson writes about lessor known Ladies in Waiting, keeping the royalty in the background. This story covers Elizabeth Brooke's entry into Henry VIII's court via Lady Lisle (Jane Guildford). Her life intertwines with The Dudley's and eventually William Parr. She joins his sister's service and the ride begins between being on the wrong and right sides at court. I enjoyed this one.
This is my 3rd Emerson read. Her first novel was overly fluffy. The second was better, but more speculation. In this one, I believe she tried to be more serious. More factual, but she almost tried too hard to prove her historical points. She found a way to write "royal decree" and "Henry might behead you" into every other page. I look at Emerson books as Historical Fiction for Beginners. That's not a bad thing, but for those of us who know the history, it can get repetitious and we can easily skim. If you are not familiar with this time period "Royal Decree" (couldn't help myself) is a great introduction to Henry VIII's final years and the Wyatt rebellion towards Mary. I will give Emerson her due. In this novel I felt she was more historically accurate. It's an easy read and a nice break when you simply want to read something light, but not far fetched story telling like many of the HF books available today. I like that Emerson writes about lessor known Ladies in Waiting, keeping the royalty in the background. This story covers Elizabeth Brooke's entry into Henry VIII's court via Lady Lisle (Jane Guildford). Her life intertwines with The Dudley's and eventually William Parr. She joins his sister's service and the ride begins between being on the wrong and right sides at court. I enjoyed this one.
December 6, 2010
In 1542 a young noblewoman named Elizabeth Brooke (Bess) arrives at the court of King Henry VIII. Only 15 she is there along with a number of women, as possible choices to be the next Queen. Not having any interest in the decaying King - she tries to keep her head down. Before heading back home she does catch the interest of William Parr, brother to Catherine Parr. The moment they see each other it's love and so begins a dangerous and wonderful love story.
By Royal Decree is a pretty amazing read. Intrigue and passion drive this story. I loved it. Rich in historic detail. Ms. Emerson's writing pulls you in from page one and makes you feel like your really there in the Tudor court. This is the third book in the Secrets of the Tudor Court, telling the story of Elisabeth Brooke and William Parr. I enjoyed Bess & Will's story. They went to through hell to be together and through all the pain and heartache they believed it was worth it. This is only the second time reading Kate Emerson, but she has become a favorite. If your a fan of Tudors, you won't want to miss this book.
The book also includes maps, family trees and a Who's who of the Tudor Court. They were great tools to have while reading the book. As I said above this book is part of the series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone story.
By Royal Decree is a pretty amazing read. Intrigue and passion drive this story. I loved it. Rich in historic detail. Ms. Emerson's writing pulls you in from page one and makes you feel like your really there in the Tudor court. This is the third book in the Secrets of the Tudor Court, telling the story of Elisabeth Brooke and William Parr. I enjoyed Bess & Will's story. They went to through hell to be together and through all the pain and heartache they believed it was worth it. This is only the second time reading Kate Emerson, but she has become a favorite. If your a fan of Tudors, you won't want to miss this book.
The book also includes maps, family trees and a Who's who of the Tudor Court. They were great tools to have while reading the book. As I said above this book is part of the series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone story.
September 19, 2015
I kept thinking Bess would have an affair with the king, the author played it like that. Saying how he thought she was pretty over and over again. Not that I wanted that, since she also said how disgusting Bess found him over and over again.
Oh I am getting a head of myself. This is the story of Bess Brooke. A noble woman at the Tudor court. She fell in love with Will Parr, who was divorced, but not allowed to marry again. So through out the entire book she wants to be his wife. But we all know the history. That wont be easy during that time. Crowns change heads. Religion is under watchful eyes.
Hers was an interesting story. I of course googled what happened to her after the book ended too. ..ok I might have googled before the book ended. I just like to google! And then I had to google other people too.
Though I must say it got a bit long winded at the end. That is a problem with historical fiction since things happen that isn't always interesting. Still a good book.
Oh I am getting a head of myself. This is the story of Bess Brooke. A noble woman at the Tudor court. She fell in love with Will Parr, who was divorced, but not allowed to marry again. So through out the entire book she wants to be his wife. But we all know the history. That wont be easy during that time. Crowns change heads. Religion is under watchful eyes.
Hers was an interesting story. I of course googled what happened to her after the book ended too. ..ok I might have googled before the book ended. I just like to google! And then I had to google other people too.
Though I must say it got a bit long winded at the end. That is a problem with historical fiction since things happen that isn't always interesting. Still a good book.
November 12, 2014
Kate Emerson is clearly an expert on the Tudor period, and her descriptions of people, places, rooms, attire, and relationships are alone worth the price of admission. But add in characters who were really connected to the complex world of the English Court .. and this whole series is a "must read."
March 17, 2011
This is the 3rd in the series Secrets of the Tudor Court, and so far my favorite. It tells the story of Bess Brooke, a real life woman who was sent to King Henry VIII's court. She captures the kings attention for a time, but since by then he was aging, bloated, and repulsive, he is greatly relieved when he chooses someone else for his wife, after the execution of Catherine Howard. She enjoys life at court though, after she becomes a lady in waiting. There she meets and falls in love with William Parr, but laws concerning marriage may keep them apart, unless they can get a royal decree from the king. William was divorced from his first wife, on the grounds of her adultery, but the laws then stated that a man could not remarry until his former wife died.
Will and Bess strive to find happiness, while living through the turbulent times of King Henry's last years, and then the rule of his daughter Queen Mary.
I really liked that the heroine of this story, unlike the previous two, wanted to marry for love, not for wealth or position. I also enjoyed reading about Henry's last wife, Kathryn Parr, someone I did not know a lot about; in most of the Tudor fiction I have read so far, she has only been mentioned briefly.
I was reading the biographies of the real people in the back of the book, and was saddened to learn that Bess died 7 years after the events in the book of breast cancer, only in her 30's; but I also noticed looking at the family trees in the beginning of the book, many people in those days did not live past their 40's or 50's. In fact, at one point in the book, Bess comments that her grandmother, in her 60's is the "oldest person I know."
Will and Bess strive to find happiness, while living through the turbulent times of King Henry's last years, and then the rule of his daughter Queen Mary.
I really liked that the heroine of this story, unlike the previous two, wanted to marry for love, not for wealth or position. I also enjoyed reading about Henry's last wife, Kathryn Parr, someone I did not know a lot about; in most of the Tudor fiction I have read so far, she has only been mentioned briefly.
I was reading the biographies of the real people in the back of the book, and was saddened to learn that Bess died 7 years after the events in the book of breast cancer, only in her 30's; but I also noticed looking at the family trees in the beginning of the book, many people in those days did not live past their 40's or 50's. In fact, at one point in the book, Bess comments that her grandmother, in her 60's is the "oldest person I know."
January 9, 2011
Very dissatisfied with this book. I have read other books by Kate Emerson and they were fine for light reading but this book read like a 21st century internet chat room. The heroine, "Bess" Brooke, was a real-life person. This plot transforms her into a 16th century nymphomaniac. She meets the love of her life ("Will") and the next thing you know their in heat and physically throbbing for each other even when separated by distance. I've read other novels where the man/woman were deeply in love (and I knew they had sex) but this book focused too much on the physical and very little on the real political dangers of the times. And when the Queen told Bess NOT to continue with Will on pain of imprisonment and even death?...almost in the next sentence Will is released from prison and they're kissing again. Like the Queen lacked informants that would tell her if Bess's promise was kept or not.
I read it. And I'm moving on...
I read it. And I'm moving on...
January 17, 2011
3 1/2 stars. A good, quick read, although it lacked some of the historical detail I really enjoyed in the first of the series. The relationship between Bess and Will seemed too rushed even though it took quite a few years for them to get together. I guess it was some of the descriptions which at times seemed too trite and contrived for the time period and setting of the story itself. I enjoyed the secondary characters and learning more about Henry's last queen, but overall this historical fiction read more like a historical synopsis.
Enjoyable if you want an easy to read/understand novel about the later years of the Tudor court.
Enjoyable if you want an easy to read/understand novel about the later years of the Tudor court.
May 14, 2013
Having also read the first two books of this Tudor series, I have finally put my finger on why these books seem a little hard to get into for me. The author writes with an easy style, and the books are a quick read. However, book-plot is often sacrificed for real-life-plot, as Emerson inserts many historical points by quickly glossing over events with a paragraph or two. While it was nice to have some real events to reference, this sadly took away from the characters she was trying to bring to life. I have been struck with a sudden fascination with Tudor-set novels, and so will try some Phillipa Gregory ones next to see how they compare with Emerson's novels.
March 20, 2013
Great historical details of the Tudor court, but aside from the historical aspects, I found little to enjoy in this book. The heroine was whiny and petulant, and her voice as a narrator was grating and made the book harder to tolerate.
August 6, 2015
couldn't even finish it I was so bored!
July 31, 2025
Bess Brooke finds love at Henry VIII's court but the relationship is impossible as he is divorced. A divorced man can't marry...unless he is the King!
By Royal Decree is the third book in the Secrets of the Tudor Court series.
There are political and religious plots aplenty in the reign of Henry VIII and his children. And many are related to the personal relationships of the courtiers.
Bess' love life with a divorced man seems doomed to failure as he cannot remarry according to the law in Tudor England. But passion and love will not be bound by convention and rules.
This is an enjoyable book and very similar to the previous books in the series, just with different protagonists and different obstacles in their path. There is not a great deal of depth to the plot or characters but I thought the research was appropriate to the genre and facts had been tweaked to create the fictional account for modern readers.
By Royal Decree is an enjoyable historical novel.
By Royal Decree is the third book in the Secrets of the Tudor Court series.
There are political and religious plots aplenty in the reign of Henry VIII and his children. And many are related to the personal relationships of the courtiers.
Bess' love life with a divorced man seems doomed to failure as he cannot remarry according to the law in Tudor England. But passion and love will not be bound by convention and rules.
This is an enjoyable book and very similar to the previous books in the series, just with different protagonists and different obstacles in their path. There is not a great deal of depth to the plot or characters but I thought the research was appropriate to the genre and facts had been tweaked to create the fictional account for modern readers.
By Royal Decree is an enjoyable historical novel.
March 12, 2021
In my head as I was reading this, I kept thinking that this was some Real Housewives stuff, but set in the Tudor era. So Real Housewives of Tudor? I don't know that's what I was thinking the whole time.
Anyways, I hated the main character in this one. I thought she was spoiled, immature, and frankly annoyed the crap out of me. She seemed like one of those women who was like "Woe is me." Had no patience and expected to get all the things she wanted. It annoyed me to no end.
I don't know if I would call her a Mary Sue. But there were times I just couldn't help but roll my eyes.
It was a page turner, so there was that. It kept me entertained. This is the drama that I live for.
I will probably finish up the series, but I think this was my least favorite out of all of them.
Anyways, I hated the main character in this one. I thought she was spoiled, immature, and frankly annoyed the crap out of me. She seemed like one of those women who was like "Woe is me." Had no patience and expected to get all the things she wanted. It annoyed me to no end.
I don't know if I would call her a Mary Sue. But there were times I just couldn't help but roll my eyes.
It was a page turner, so there was that. It kept me entertained. This is the drama that I live for.
I will probably finish up the series, but I think this was my least favorite out of all of them.
July 27, 2023
Such a good historical novel about Elizabeth "Bess" Brooke. Who was active in court life from the end of Henry VIII's reign to the start of Elizabeth I's reign. This book was very interesting because I have read many books about a lot of the supporting characters in this book, but I have not really heard of Bess. She is one of those figures in history who always seems to be around pivotal events and play a role in some of them, but she is not a well known figure in history. I enjoyede learning about someone like Bess. I am happy that her and her husband were restored to their position at court, and their marriage was recognized again. I just wish she had gotten the chance to enjoy it, unfortunately she dies of cancer seven years after being reinstated to court.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2022
I really enjoyed that the book covered Bess's entire life, and the turmoil with her ability to be with the man she loves depending on who the ruler was. I was worried that as soon as they were allowed to me married the book would be over. The author also always does a great job at researching history to make the book come alive. My only complaint is how hard it is sometimes to keep people's names straight with so many Elizabeths, Janes, and Henrys as well as changing titles, but that's the fault of history not the author 😆 there's even a point in the book where Bess is told that it was a different Sir Henry Dudley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2018
By Royal Decree is the fictionalized account of the life of Elizabeth Brooke, a nobel woman who comes to the court of King Henry VIII during his search for a sixth wife. It is Elizabeth who captures the aged king's attention, until Kathryn Parr comes along. For Elizabeth she has no desire to wed the decrepit, obese royal... and there is the toothsome William Parr who catches her eye.
This story takes place during some of England's most cruical years... with death comes a new ruler, trechary deciet and executions abound!
Author, Kate Emerson, doesn't dissapoint in her third installment of her "Secrets of the Tudor Court".
This story takes place during some of England's most cruical years... with death comes a new ruler, trechary deciet and executions abound!
Author, Kate Emerson, doesn't dissapoint in her third installment of her "Secrets of the Tudor Court".
September 14, 2018
This is the 3rd book in her series of Secrets of the Tudor Court. I loved reading about Bess going to King Henry VIII court at the age 15. She is a lady of the court to two Queens of Henry VIII. She falls in love with William Parr, the brother of Queen Katherine Parr. William is married but the wife and him are separated. They hide their feels as they try to find a way to ask King Henry VIII to grant William a divorce from his first wife. This book is an interesting read if you like to read about this era.
April 5, 2021
I got this book in a grab bag sale at the library. I love the Tudor period but have a love-hate relationship with books about this era. It’s SO hard to keep track of all the characters and their ever-changing relationships. My aunt is now my sister-in-law, and wait, that marriage was invalidated so she’s now my grandmother. Reminds me of the old blue song, “I’m my own grandpa.”
The author did a good job of sorting out The Who’s who along the way so I enjoyed this one thoroughly.
The author did a good job of sorting out The Who’s who along the way so I enjoyed this one thoroughly.
April 26, 2023
I’m really enjoying listening to this series by Kate Emerson. The stories are based on real people from the Tudor court, and the main storylines are based on fact. After reading this book I googled the main character, Elizabeth Brooke, and she had an interesting life. I wish I could give this book 4.5 stars.
February 15, 2018
This was definitely the best out of the first three. It had a little bit of everything that the other two lacked. Though it was a little annoying how the author had to reiterate the point of the title by littering the thing with 'royal decree'.
December 15, 2020
This is definitely my favourite book in the Secrets of the Tudor Court series. Bess is a true innocent and we see her get properly wooed and fall in proper love with a proper man. It's a comforting tale, particularly in the Tudor court.
April 12, 2023
A wonderful journey back in time with Elizabeth Brooke who went from a minor person to a major player in the Tudor kingdom. In a time where women didn’t have a lot of choices, she fought by every means possible to be able to choose her own destiny.
July 28, 2020
I had to pick up and put this book down multiple times. It is a slow start, but once you get into it it is quite engrossing.
August 23, 2020
Very interesting times but too many names and families to keep up with. Story was good but there was no real climax and satisfying ending.
April 4, 2025
This was an amazing book! I honestly picked it off put it down. Great Book And I will definitely be checking out more from this author
December 29, 2010
Fresh onto book shelf’s everywhere “By Royal Decree” is the third installment in Emerson’s series “The Secrets of the Tudor Court”. I love this series it is one of the few that I stand firmly by and continue to be awe stuck by each and every book. My favorite aspect of the series is they all focus on all the side playing courtiers. In Tudor times the courtiers would rise as fast as they would fall and Emerson seems to focus on all the people I have been curious about but never had the option to explore more until now. Emerson changes the view of the Tudors making it fresh and new all over again because it is always from a point of view I never saw before.
Elizabeth Brooke also known as Bess grew up in a large family in a nice castle her father was Lord George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham of Kent. He served under King Henry VIII and Henry was fresh back on the market for a new queen. Henry called upon all the nobility to send their pretty eligible women to court to have a banquet with him. Basically Henry wanted it easy and he rounded up all the pretty girls of town and made them eat dinner with him. Henry scoured the women for his sixth and final wife. Bess had been brought to court just for the banquet and she narrowly dodged Henry and her curiosity got the better of her and she stumbled upon her hating nasty aunt Dorothy making out with an abruptly handsome man. The handsome man would turn out to be not just any man but Lord William Parr. His sister would become lucky number six for King Henry which would put the family name Parr in high favor. I have to admit that I always have been curious about the brother of the famous final wife of Henry’s. I now understand that with William and the constant shifting of England current religious grounds he was forced into constantly being judged and re-judged again depending on who reigned as the current monarch. It is no easy task getting and holding a royal decree because it can be over turned just as easily as it was given.
Before Bess came into the picture William Parr was married at a young age and spent one night with his wife before returning to court. Shortly after that his wife ran off with a man of the church and had a whole hoard of illegitimate brats. William was allowed by Henry VIII to keep his wife’s title and was technically divorced. The catch with the decree was that he was not allowed to remarry until his first wife died. This would officially put the handsome William Parr completely off limits to the beautiful fresh to court Bess. But how can we tell the heart who it loves? Bess asked the same question and try as she might she could not replace him with one of the Dudley boys. Bess knew she needed real love, passionate love, the kind of love that only William Parr could give her in this life. The only problem in their way was that everyone around them kept on dying and nothing in England in the 16th century stayed the same for too long. The petition to win the Royal Decree would work with Henry but what did the future hold with a boy king and more turbulent times ahead?
4.5/5 Another beautifully written Tudor secret love that before I never even knew existed. It was everything I could have hoped it to be and more. This one was unique from the previous novel because it went past Henry VIII into Edward, Jane Grey, Mary and Elizabeth. The series had never done that before and I felt it was a natural progression in the series. Some of you might know I love Robert Dudley he is one of my favorites and this book is filled with the Dudley’s. It really opened my eyes to their lives and their family situation. I enjoyed that this book focused more on the older brothers that were infatuated with Bess. I cannot wait for the next one on the Duke of Buckingham sister titled “At The Kings Pleasure” which is slated for release in 2012
Elizabeth Brooke also known as Bess grew up in a large family in a nice castle her father was Lord George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham of Kent. He served under King Henry VIII and Henry was fresh back on the market for a new queen. Henry called upon all the nobility to send their pretty eligible women to court to have a banquet with him. Basically Henry wanted it easy and he rounded up all the pretty girls of town and made them eat dinner with him. Henry scoured the women for his sixth and final wife. Bess had been brought to court just for the banquet and she narrowly dodged Henry and her curiosity got the better of her and she stumbled upon her hating nasty aunt Dorothy making out with an abruptly handsome man. The handsome man would turn out to be not just any man but Lord William Parr. His sister would become lucky number six for King Henry which would put the family name Parr in high favor. I have to admit that I always have been curious about the brother of the famous final wife of Henry’s. I now understand that with William and the constant shifting of England current religious grounds he was forced into constantly being judged and re-judged again depending on who reigned as the current monarch. It is no easy task getting and holding a royal decree because it can be over turned just as easily as it was given.
Before Bess came into the picture William Parr was married at a young age and spent one night with his wife before returning to court. Shortly after that his wife ran off with a man of the church and had a whole hoard of illegitimate brats. William was allowed by Henry VIII to keep his wife’s title and was technically divorced. The catch with the decree was that he was not allowed to remarry until his first wife died. This would officially put the handsome William Parr completely off limits to the beautiful fresh to court Bess. But how can we tell the heart who it loves? Bess asked the same question and try as she might she could not replace him with one of the Dudley boys. Bess knew she needed real love, passionate love, the kind of love that only William Parr could give her in this life. The only problem in their way was that everyone around them kept on dying and nothing in England in the 16th century stayed the same for too long. The petition to win the Royal Decree would work with Henry but what did the future hold with a boy king and more turbulent times ahead?
4.5/5 Another beautifully written Tudor secret love that before I never even knew existed. It was everything I could have hoped it to be and more. This one was unique from the previous novel because it went past Henry VIII into Edward, Jane Grey, Mary and Elizabeth. The series had never done that before and I felt it was a natural progression in the series. Some of you might know I love Robert Dudley he is one of my favorites and this book is filled with the Dudley’s. It really opened my eyes to their lives and their family situation. I enjoyed that this book focused more on the older brothers that were infatuated with Bess. I cannot wait for the next one on the Duke of Buckingham sister titled “At The Kings Pleasure” which is slated for release in 2012
May 1, 2013
By Royal Decree is the third installment in Kate Emerson’s series, The Secrets of the Tudor Court. This series is unique is that each novel is narrated by an actual but marginal woman within the Tudor Court. I truly enjoy Emerson’s use of this innovative and fresh point of view and at the same time enjoy her novels as they follow the history accurately. Surprisingly, Emerson includes the actual events of the woman’s life and weaves that into the larger historical setting. Every installment has been a new and interesting journey into the lives of those Tudor enthusiasts recognize, but do not know much about. I find this technique enables Emerson to expand and explain motivations in such a way that the greater historical framework is not broached. I find Emerson’s writing both innovative and classic and truly a wonderful example of how historical fiction should be done.
By Royal Decree follows the story of Elizabeth “Bess” Brooke, daughter of Lord George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham of Kent. The story opens with Henry entertaining a group of eligible women of noble birth, including Bess, in his search for his sixth wife. In the first chapter we again encounter Nan Basset, Between Two Queens, and Emerson allows the second and third installment of the Secrets of the Tudor Court to overlap ever so slightly, which worked for this reader. Bess brought to court by her parents to attend the King’s banquet. Bess, young and beautiful, attracted the King’s interest that made her wary and she felt the need to escape his notice. In her attempt to leave Bess accidently catches her aunt Dorothy Bray in an intimate embrace with Lord William Parr. Much to her aunt’s displeasure Parr seems taken with Bess but she leaves Court the following day to return to Kent, wisely laying low until Henry snares another bride.
Lord William Parr’s sister Katherine would become Henry’s sixth wife and Queen thereby rocketing the Parr’s up the sociopolitical latter virtually overnight. Not that Lord William seemed to personally profit from this rise. He was divorced from his child bride, with whom he had spent only one night and who shortly after left him with a former priest and had many children through that relationship. Divorce, ironically, even in Henry VII’s England might be granted but the spouse could not be remarried until the death of their former spouse. The relationship and love affair between William Parr and Bess seems genuine both in the novel and in the research I’ve done into the pair after reading Emerson’s account. In the end, politics and religion shaped the couple’s relationship. Under Edward VI the pair were allowed to marry, Mary I quickly reversed that decision and Elizabeth I reunited the pair again. It is from this proclamation that the novel takes its name. Bess and William were married or not by royal decree.
Again, Emerson delivers a wonderfully crafted and carefully researched novel that truly opens up the world of the peripheral figures within the Tudor Court. For this reader it is Emerson’s meticulous adherence to historical fact that truly allows her fictional account of Bess Brooke and William Parr to truly come to life. I recommend By Royal Decree and am eagerly awaiting delivery of the next installment in the series, At The Kings Pleasure, which will feature Lady Anne Stanhope, sister of The Duke of Buckingham.
By Royal Decree follows the story of Elizabeth “Bess” Brooke, daughter of Lord George Brooke, 9th Baron Cobham of Kent. The story opens with Henry entertaining a group of eligible women of noble birth, including Bess, in his search for his sixth wife. In the first chapter we again encounter Nan Basset, Between Two Queens, and Emerson allows the second and third installment of the Secrets of the Tudor Court to overlap ever so slightly, which worked for this reader. Bess brought to court by her parents to attend the King’s banquet. Bess, young and beautiful, attracted the King’s interest that made her wary and she felt the need to escape his notice. In her attempt to leave Bess accidently catches her aunt Dorothy Bray in an intimate embrace with Lord William Parr. Much to her aunt’s displeasure Parr seems taken with Bess but she leaves Court the following day to return to Kent, wisely laying low until Henry snares another bride.
Lord William Parr’s sister Katherine would become Henry’s sixth wife and Queen thereby rocketing the Parr’s up the sociopolitical latter virtually overnight. Not that Lord William seemed to personally profit from this rise. He was divorced from his child bride, with whom he had spent only one night and who shortly after left him with a former priest and had many children through that relationship. Divorce, ironically, even in Henry VII’s England might be granted but the spouse could not be remarried until the death of their former spouse. The relationship and love affair between William Parr and Bess seems genuine both in the novel and in the research I’ve done into the pair after reading Emerson’s account. In the end, politics and religion shaped the couple’s relationship. Under Edward VI the pair were allowed to marry, Mary I quickly reversed that decision and Elizabeth I reunited the pair again. It is from this proclamation that the novel takes its name. Bess and William were married or not by royal decree.
Again, Emerson delivers a wonderfully crafted and carefully researched novel that truly opens up the world of the peripheral figures within the Tudor Court. For this reader it is Emerson’s meticulous adherence to historical fact that truly allows her fictional account of Bess Brooke and William Parr to truly come to life. I recommend By Royal Decree and am eagerly awaiting delivery of the next installment in the series, At The Kings Pleasure, which will feature Lady Anne Stanhope, sister of The Duke of Buckingham.
April 23, 2012
By Royal Decree follows the life of young Elizabeth Brooke, more commonly referred to as Bess, throughout the book. The events take place around 1542 during the reign of King Henry VIII, followed by Mary Tudor (after her father's death, of course), and eventually ends off during Queen Elizabeth's reign. The story revolves around the love story that develops between a lower noblewoman, Bess, and William Parr. However, they face a problem because William is already betrothed to another woman. Parliament grants him a divorce and it is decreed that Will may not marry again for as long as Anne, his first wife, lives. Bess does her best to try and persuade the King to allow William Parr to marry her and declare his previous marriage invalid on the grounds of William's Anne's proven adultery. Despite never having formally been granted permission from the King to re-marry, William and Bess hold a secret marriage ceremony and consider themselves husband and wife. They live a comfortable life together until Henry VIII's death. Plots to have a distant cousin, the Lady Jane Grey, take the throne instead of the former King's daughter, Mary, embroil William into a treasonous plot. He is eventually imprisoned in the Tower of London and Henry VIII's oldest daughter, Mary, claims her place on the throne. Throughout the story many trials and tribulations occur that throw obstacles at Bess and William, trying to keep them apart from one another or ultimately kill them. When Mary Tudor claims William Parr is still married to his first wife, Bess is told to stay away from him or face death. Despite Bess's fervent love for William, she keeps a safe distance from him for about a year to save both their necks. After they stay under the Queen's radar for a while they reunite and begin to live together again. They conspire with the French ambassador to keep Elizabeth, Mary's sister, safe in her position to the throne while the Queen Mary dies. William Parr and Bess are eventually granted an official recognition of their marriage for their hand in helping the Queen Elizabeth.
I enjoyed the book. It was a delightful read with lots of Tudor love and sadness. I did not really connect with any particular characters in the story but still enjoyed reading about their lives despite the disconnected feeling I felt. The plot was very predictable yet I still enjoyed the historical details. If you have a penchant for Tudor love stories, I would pick this title up and give it a go.
I enjoyed the book. It was a delightful read with lots of Tudor love and sadness. I did not really connect with any particular characters in the story but still enjoyed reading about their lives despite the disconnected feeling I felt. The plot was very predictable yet I still enjoyed the historical details. If you have a penchant for Tudor love stories, I would pick this title up and give it a go.
May 16, 2015
See full review for By Royal Decree at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves....
For the first time in this series, we have a book that doesn’t focus all that much on a woman trying to become the king’s mistress for personal gain. Elizabeth (Bess) Brooke is brought to court to try and become the next Queen of England by Henry VIII, but he doesn’t pick her. Instead, Bess catches the attention of William Parr by accidentally running into him and her cousin Dorothy Bray having an intimate moment in a darkened alcove. It’s love at first sight, except for the fact that Dorothy wants Bess’s head for even looking at him and he’s already married. As things do in books like these, time passes rather quickly and Bess is still at court – this time a maid of honor to Queen Kathryn – when William returns from abroad and tells her directly that he wants her and has wanted her since they first met. Although she knows that he is married, she can’t help but fall for him, but their romance must remain a secret until Will can petition the king for a divorce from his wife.
Unfortunately for them, they cannot wait that long and wed in secret. But no perfect time arises to ask the king for the divorce and before too long he dies and his son takes the throne. Edward is a little bit more pliable to their cause and grants the divorce, making their marriage legal. However, Edward doesn’t stay alive long and the next in line to the throne won’t recognize their marriage at all. So Will and Bess try to find a way around the line of succession, which is treasonous if they get caught…
For the first time in this series, we have a book that doesn’t focus all that much on a woman trying to become the king’s mistress for personal gain. Elizabeth (Bess) Brooke is brought to court to try and become the next Queen of England by Henry VIII, but he doesn’t pick her. Instead, Bess catches the attention of William Parr by accidentally running into him and her cousin Dorothy Bray having an intimate moment in a darkened alcove. It’s love at first sight, except for the fact that Dorothy wants Bess’s head for even looking at him and he’s already married. As things do in books like these, time passes rather quickly and Bess is still at court – this time a maid of honor to Queen Kathryn – when William returns from abroad and tells her directly that he wants her and has wanted her since they first met. Although she knows that he is married, she can’t help but fall for him, but their romance must remain a secret until Will can petition the king for a divorce from his wife.
Unfortunately for them, they cannot wait that long and wed in secret. But no perfect time arises to ask the king for the divorce and before too long he dies and his son takes the throne. Edward is a little bit more pliable to their cause and grants the divorce, making their marriage legal. However, Edward doesn’t stay alive long and the next in line to the throne won’t recognize their marriage at all. So Will and Bess try to find a way around the line of succession, which is treasonous if they get caught…
May 10, 2011
I liked this book, though it had a much different feel than the other two previous books in the series. There were times where I felt like Bess was not the best person to be the main narrator and subject to the book. Especially when it felt like a good portion of the middle of the book was all summarized and had nothing going on. It felt like that towards the end as well. I think what made me a little eh about that was they all occurred right in the middle of the chapter rather than in the beginning of a new one. The plot however went by pretty fast and it was good, though a bit obvious. It was clear that in the end Bess & Will Parr would be together and gain back their estates even if you didn't know anything about their history. During Bess' epiphany I had a hard time believing her. Granted she didn't ever mention earlier in the book wanting children her saying that the love of her husband was all she could give and wouldn't be a good mother because of that made me scoff. It just didn't seem plausible. One last thing confused me and that's when the narrator would list off all of these people who had title changes and name changes, it would get way too confusing and complicated through out that I often forgot who was who by the end of the novel. There should've been consistency in that meaning if the person had been given a higher ranking it shouldn't have been mentioned until Bess encountered them again and then had her say they went from this to this. Other than that, I enjoyed this novel and can't wait for the next one in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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