Rebecca Hill
When one hears Jane Boleyn, they think of the wife that sold out her husband and sister in law to the traitors deaths that they might or might not have deserved, and another queen who she helped to deceive her husband. Instead, in Fox's book, we find a woman who was bound by family honor, a woman who was tied to her husbands family no matter good or bad, and who while serving another queen had to decide between obeying her queen or refusing to acquiesce and lose her position at court.
Jane's entire world was the court, and after the downfall of the Boleyn family, her fortunes seemed about at the end of ruin, she could barely survive, and would not be able to maintain the fabulous lifestyle that she had enjoyed while her husband was alive and before he was charged with treason and adultery. Instead of fading into the background, and hoping for a second marriage which would give her some relative comfort and quiet somewhere in the country, Jane clawed her way back into royal favor and regained her position in the new queens quarters. After the new queen Jane Seymour dies after childbirth, Jane was fortunate to serve the next queen, and after her subsequent divorce from the King, she served the final queen she would work for and who would eventually be her own downfall. Queen Catherine Howard was a foolish queen who fell in love with one of the members of the court. Instead of remaining loyal to her husband, Catherine found ways to be alone with her lover, who was eventually found out and after severe questioning was forced to admit the scandal, and both Jane and the queen were among the few who lost their heads over the affair.
Julia Fox brings out a different side of Jane. While we do not know much of what Jane Boleyn thought about life as a Boleyn bride, there are enough pieces of evidence left behind to view what kind of life she would have had. By learning about her father and the standards that he set for himself, it is not far fetched to think that Jane would have been raised with many of the same ideals, and those helped her keep her head as long as she did. Reading through this biography of her life was quite different from much of what I had ever heard of her. She was always portrayed as one who was evil through and through and who tempted those around her into doing things that they normally would not have done. Instead we find a woman, who is trying to maintain her way at court after her husband was convicted as a traitor, and who had learned the hard way that to stay at court meant pleasing those that one served, no matter what they asked. This was a great biography of her and had many new theories that before we not fully thought out or researched.
Katherine Parr was by far one of the luckier wives of Henry VIII. She outlived him! When she returned to court after the death of her husband, she was surprised to find that the King was interested in her! She could not understand why he would want her, when he could have any young thing at court.
The story of Katherine comes to us in a little bit of her telling the story and from the perspective of her maid. Her life was anything but picturesque. Although we do not know everything of her life from books, we can only guess at her innermost thoughts. What did she really think of being queen? Did she love either of her husbands before she married the king? Was she ambitious or was she truly demure??
Katherine is somewhat of an enigma in the royal court of Henry VIII, because she outlived a monarch who had gone through five wives before her. Whether she truly loved him or not is really immaterial. She survived the bloodbath that normally went along with being wife of the King that could never truly find love.
Katherine's tentative hold on life was truly remarkable. She managed to hang on in a court that was as thirsty for blood as they were for wine and feasting. Through the eyes of Dot, Katherine's maid, we see the guilt that Katherine and her daughter both carried around, as well as the insecurity that both of them felt.
Great read!!
Have you ever wondered what Henry VIII's wives thought?? Well, here is a chance to find out!! Anne of Cleves leaves everything that she knows and loves to marry the English king and become wife number four. Throughout this read, you are giving glimpses of what her life must have been like, but you have to wonder if her kindness was really there, or if that was expanded to suit the authors view.
I enjoyed this read, quick and easy and fun. :)
Philippa Gregory grips you in a new historical thriller, this time with Elizabeth of York as the main character. Her life was one of fairy tales, until her father died, they claimed sanctuary, her brothers disappeared, and her Uncle Richard killed at the battle of Bosworth. Having promised to marry her if he wins, Henry Tudor comes to England to challenge Richard III to the crown of England. Because of a traitors choice, Richard is killed during the battle, and Henry Tudor becomes King Henry VII.
Throughout her married life to the Tudor King, Elizabeth is faced with the threats of new warfare, many of her mothers dealings with trying to get a York heir back on the throne. But everyone knows that both the princes of York disappeared from the Tower and are presumed dead... but are they both?
Elizabeth hides a secret from her husband, a secret so explosive that if she was to tell, he would never trust her again. Her brother Richard never went into the tower, it was a decoy boy, so that one of the York heirs might get away. As new claimants come forward, each one is dealt with, but there is one that everyone seems to embrace, and that seems to have a better claim than Henry Tudor. Is he Richard, her long lost brother, or another pretender so throughoughly seeped in their family history that he can fool every monarch in Christendom. As Elizabeth ponders these thoughts, she is surprised at how much she fears for her husband and at the same time for her brother. Is is possible to love both and hope for the best outcome??
Her life at the Tudor court is overshadowed by his overbearing mother, Margaret Stanley, who fancies herself one of the greatest ladies in the land. She and she alone is the confidant of her son, to the exclusion of his wife, and the one person who could really guide him through the life of being a King, and how to win the hearts of his people. Instead he becomes a king so overshadowed by fear that he trusts no one, and fears everyone. Poor Elizabeth is left in the shadows, to bear children and be the face of the last remaining York.
The story of Elizabeth is truly tragic. If Henry has utilized her as he should have, she would have made a fantastic queen. A queen that truly could unite the Lancaster and York houses together and let die the flames from the cousins war. Instead she is so shrouded in mystery that one has to wonder how she managed to last at the court as long as she did before she succumbed to fever after giving birth. Her life was one that should have been paved in gold before her, instead she was challenged every day by his mother who felt that she herself should have the first lady in the kingdom and come after no one. Lady Margaret was one who would do anything to advance her son, and let nobody or nothing stand in her way. She was a major force who commanded how everything at court should run, from the birthing of babies to the smallest ritual performed by servants. She wanted the best and felt she deserved it. Elizabeth was left to forge her own way and try and raise her children the best way she could in the face of such a domineering woman. If she had the power her mother had had, the world would have known an exceptionally amazing woman. I enjoyed this book, and felt as though she had some new life breathed back into her, and the tragic story of her family. One does have to wonder though.. what would have happened if Richard hadn't lost at the battle of Bosworth?? The turn in history would have been interesting indeed.
Loved this book! John Marshall is caught between Stephen and Matilda, not sure which side he should be on, but knowing that one way or another it could ruin his family. After a disastrous first marriage, he marries his neighbors sister and finds his soul mate. After several years and several children, Stephen demands one as a hostage. What happens next haunts John for the remainder of his days, although the child survived, it never left him just how close he was to losing one of his sons.
Great read, draws you in and doesnt release you. At the end of the book you are left wanting more!
Ella March Chase walks us through the lives of the Grey sisters, from the disastrous marriages of the older two sisters through the insecurities of the younger sister. Three women with royal blood, who went against convention. Jane would have been happy to live in a small house surrounded by her books and tutors, while Katherine wanted attention and to be married to a nobleman with people admiring her. Mary was one who stayed in the shadows, hidden by her parents because of her deformity. Ms. Chase reads between the lines of their lives and breathes new life into the story of the Lady Jane Grey, the nine day queen, and her family. From palaces to the Tower, this books keeps the reader riveted.
Great read! I would recommmend this!
Great read! This is quite a different look into daily life under King John. One family in particular is in the middle of trying to figure out how to make life better under his rule. Mahelt Marshall is not just anyone, she is the daughter of William Marshall, trusted advisor of the king. However, life is never certain, and Mahelt is not one to back down to anyone, including her father in law. Learning how to be herself and live under her husbands roof is something that will test Mahelt's patience as well as challenge what she thought about herself.
This was an interesting look into some of the queens of England. I was not impressed with all of her theories about some of these women, but her overall writing was great. I loved looking through time at the lives of these women and what they were faced with. She weaves a great thread of historical semblance into the relatively obscure lives of these women.
Some of the chapters take a while to read as you have to reread some of the paragraphs to make sure that you understand what she is trying to say, but the overall effect was great.
Nell Caxton and Princess Elizabeth of York are great friends, both headstrong young ladies, who want the best for both of their families. After the death of King Edward IV and the murky succession of Edward V and Richard III, the two young boys, King Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York, are locked in the tower after it is proven that they were born illegitimate, which means Edward cannot assume the throne. Suddenly one day they are gone, and no one knows where, or if they are even alive.
Nell is sure that they are dead, while Elizabeth is sure that they are alive and that her beloved Uncle Richard would never harm a child. Nell is a secretary in Margaret Beaufort's household, and while Nell does not like her, she feels as though there is something to be learned from being in her home, and she is right, although the extent of what secrets are hiding in that house are beyond what she ever could have imagined. One night after being forced to stop at another of Margaret's homes on the way back to the main estate, Nell makes a horrifying discovery. The two princes are alive, being held in a dungeon. Nell makes a promise that she will rescue them, and sets in motion a plan to help the two boys escape. Will they be successful or will Margaret Beaufort succeed in having the boys killed before Nell can save them?
“To the Tower Born” is a great read. It brings together two families, and digs through some of the most turbulent times in English history. Many were to ready to believe that Richard III could have had his nephews murdered in order to take the throne for himself, and thereby clear the succession, but there were others who refused to believe that Richard would have stooped so low. There were no lack of suspects.. the Duke of Buckingham, who helped place Richard on the throne, and then designed plans of his own to take the crown. Margaret Beaufort who had a right of her own, but instead wanted the crown for her son Henry Tudor who was in exile. Then there were those that wanted the young prince Edward back on the throne, and would have done anything to undermine him, namely his sister in law, the former queen Elizabeth Woodville. I have long suspected Margaret Beaufort of having more than a passing interest in the young prince's disappearance, as it was to perfect for her and helped her plans along. This book pushes that theory to the front, and places blame elsewhere, thereby vindicating Richard III.
Paul Doherty goes deep within the medieval world, and comes up with a new theory of the death of Edaward II. Doherty digs into the royal family and dirty secrets that the monarchy would have rather kept hidden..
Isabella, the French princess that was supposed to bring peace, instead she was jealous and was determined to see anyone who vied with her position with her husband brought down. Edward II was a strange king. He preferred to not have to govern to much, delegating as much as he could to those around him, which earned him the disrespect of his barons and lords. They wanted a strong king, one that would expand their holding, instead they got a weak king, governed by his favorites to the detriment of everyone else around him.
Hugh de Spenser was by far the worst thing that could have happened to the King. He was greedy, looking to expand his power and prestige by any means necessary. De Spenser and Edward did more to poison the queen and most of the country against them than they might have realized at the time,although most kings operated under the assumption of divine right, therefore they could do no wrong.
Queen Isabella went to France looking for help in reclaiming her husband. Instead she found Roger Mortimer, and fell in love. She then brought her lover and an army to England, in order to regain control. She wanted it all. In many ways she wasnt any different than De Spenser, although she used the country against the King, at first having a reason to invade, then sweeping in and claiming all that she wanted. After Edward and De Spenser were captured, Edward III came to the throne, of course being ruled by his mother and Mortimer. They were hoping that they could control the king for as long as they wanted, but the underestimated the desire of the teen to be his own person, and rule his own kingdom as he saw fit. After several years of chaffing under his mothers thumb, he quietly gathered his support and captured both the queen and her lover. Mortimer was executed after a short imprisonment, while the queen was sent quietly from court for a while, then regained her place as the queen mother. Edward III held his mother in high regard, either refusing to believe or actually thinking that his other was completely ruled by Mortimer and had no thoughts of treason on her own.
The death of Edward II has long raised speculation, as it has been completely shrouded in mystery for hundreds of years. Doherty does a great job of fleshing out the mystery and adding his own theory to the mix. I enjoy a historian who is not afraid to look outside the box and not take the “accepted” view of history. As he looks into the death he finds several pieces of evidence that do support Edward II having escaped somehow from Berkeley Castle, and living out his life elsewhere, although we do not know what happened after he escaped. The accepted view is that Edward II was quietly murdered at Berkeley, and then quietly covered up so that many questions would not be asked, and allow the country to move on into a new rule. There are questions however as to how Edward could have escaped from his prison. One theory that Doherty does not bring up, and may not have considered is that, Edward's servant knowing he was about to be murdered, helped his master to escape, but how?? If Mortimer and the queen sent men to murder the king, they would have wanted as few people as possible to be in the area at the time. By putting the rumor about that men were trying to help the king to escape, it could have drawn out the majority of the men who were stationed at the castle, and giving more secrecy to the men that were sent to kill the king. Instead it would have given the King the perfect opportunity to escape unnoticed. But how did it happen? We will probably never really know how or what happened.
I loved this book! It was a great read, well documented and researched, with some interesting new theories thrown into the mix! Anyone who wants to think about the what if's of history, this is a good one to read!
She was a wealthy heiress, in love with the friend from her childhood. The love story between Anne Neville and Richard Plantagenet always makes the reader feel as though they are living through the story themselves, and trying to envision the places and people that weave through this story.
When her father, the Earl of Warwick, declared war on the King of England, everything changed overnight. They were forced to leave their home in England and try to find refuge elsewhere. Anne Neville mourned the loss of her love and the bright future that she had envisioned. Now she could only dream about what could have been.
As their journey continues and the Neville family seeks refuge among the French court, hoping for enough support to go back and finish the war in England. The Earl of Warwick, is determined to get what he wants at all costs, including his daughter's happiness. Anne finds herself betrothed to the Lancastrian Prince, Edward, on who all hopes are pinned as he is the heir of the former King of England. Thrust into a marriage she detests, Anne does what she can to keep her courage and strength as they wait for news of the war in England. When the news finally arrives it is not good. The Earl of Warwick was killed in battle, and the Duke of Clarence deserted the Earl back to his brother's side, leaving the Lancastrian force weakened. Throughout it all, Anne can only think of Richard and what he must be going through and whether or not he still loves her. After the final defeat of the Lancastrians and the death of Edward, Anne contemplates the future. Now a widow, she goes to live with her sister and the Duke of Clarence. After a forced servitude where Clarence was determined to keep her from Richard in order to keep the entire Neville inheritance, she is rescued, and once again finds herself back with her true love.
Their story is a true Cinderella experience. It has everything from love and war, to death and rebuilding. The strength of these characters lend a different take to the man that most have dubbed the most evil man in England. Anne and Richard deserved their happiness, however brief their happiness was. I loved this read, and think others will too.
I loved this story the entire way though. I have read extensively on the other members of the family, but Margaret was always a passing name in the works. In this story, she comes to life, and breathes new life into the House of York, trying to maintain family strength and togetherness as the years slowly start to show cracks. The book also paints some of the Woodville family in a different light. While most of the time they are vilified, and shown as evil, the love that Margaret and Anthony Woodville share points to something different.
It was interesting to see the twists and turns this story took. There were a few times when I felt sure I knew what was going to happen next, but found myself surprised more than once. I had a hard time putting this one down!
I loved this read! It was quite interesting coming from the perspective of her sister. Nefertiti was one of the most beautiful queens of Egypt, but she was also ambitious, and she wanted more than to just be the wife of the pharaoh. She wanted to rule in her own right. Had she been married to any other pharaoh, she might have had a better chance at achieving more of what she wanted, but she was married to Akhenaton, the “builder king” as he was called. He wanted to bring a new era into Egypt. Instead, he angered the priests and many of the people. He wanted a richer Egypt, but instead he almost bankrupted the country, and refused to build the army, or protect his kingdom. As the Hittite invasion comes closer and closer, the army wants action, but the King refuses to muster troops.
As the story progresses, you learn the ups and downs of being close to the royal family, and have to deal with betrayal, backstabbing, and yearning for a life of ones own..
The story of Anne of Warwick has always been one to fascinate me. She was born to one of the most powerful families in England, and at the age of four, met the boy who would become her husband one day. Even from the beginning, there was a noticed difference of how they behaved together, one of mutual love and friendship. When the King first refused his brother permission to marry Anne, he bid his time, until he could make her his. Anne, was forced to flee England with her family when her father sided against the King, and sought to remove him and his corrupt wife from power. He failed. But he bartered with Anne, with the infamous Margaret de Anjou, promising Anne as a wife for the young prince. After marriage, they returned to England, Edward and his mother intent upon reclaiming the crown of England at whatever the cost. In the end, the prince was slain, and Anne was once again freed, released from Margaret by none other than Richard.
After her evil brother in law hid her away where Richard couldn't find her, she never lost hope that he would eventually come after her. Richard was once again her savior, and released from her prison, they married, and shared one of the greatest love stories England had. The love between Richard and Anne was more than just land and coveted wealth. It was a friendship forged over time, each one living seemingly only for the other. Their lives were not full of happiness though. Their only son died at the age of 11, and Richard's reign was marked in suspicion, some felt as though he had something to do with the two young princes disappearing from the tower. (I don't believe that he had anything to do with this, I have come to a different conclusion, but this is not the place to state it). When Anne died of consumption, England's sun was hidden by an eclipse. Many saw this as a bad omen, one that meant the king himself was doomed, and their lovely queen was gone.
Anne of Warwick definitely led and interesting life, and as I read the book, already knowing the outcomes for both Anne and Richard, their story never gets old. Their lifelong love for each other, and the steadfastness that they held, both loyal and sincere in all they did. its a pity that such a couple should have met such an end. I would definitely recommend this book, as its once that I would read again.
Once again, there was no disappointment in this read! I found myself drawn into the charismatic nature of Eleanor of Aquitaine, and felt as though I were moving through the pages with them. Henry could not have ever seen what his choices were doing to his sons. By refusing to give them as much freedom as he had enjoyed in his younger years, they started seething with anger, and that anger finally spilled over into rebellion. These rebellions were played out again and again, as each son sought to get what he considered rightfully his. Henry did nothing though to help their rebellious spirit, by making one empty promise after another. In the end it cost him all his sons, as they all deserted him, two in death, and the remaining two, Richard and John, once again in rebellion. Eleanor had at first approved and even helped with their rebellion, spending the last sixteen years of her marriage in confinement, as Henry had swore to her that he could never trust her again. Although their trust never reestablished, they came together to mourn their two sons, dead before their time, and also other passing family members. But they also came together to try and reunite their family, to put to bed once and for all the rebellions, but Henry was never happy if he was not in control, and his double dealing with his sons, cost him that lasting peace.
I was so drawn into this story that I could not put the book down! It was like being caught between living in the past and the present. I found myself wondering more and more what these forces must have been at the time it was being played out!
This book was a hard one for me to want to sit through the entire book. I read this one in two hours, and I was disappointed by most of it. Much of the story seemed to be skimmed over, and a huge lack in detail was present throughout much of the work.
Lettie Knollys, is the cousin of Queen Elizabeth, and she is sent to court to wait upon the queen. Throughout their entire relationship there is distrust and tantrums on the part of the queen. Lettie falls in love with Robert Dudley, the right hand man of the queen, but is married to another, and so after the death of her husband, she and Robert secretly marry, and keep it from the queen for several months. The queen throughout the work is portrayed as a spoiled brat, ruled by her temper, and not much common sense.
I was not impressed by any of the characters, most I felt were under developed and left a lot hanging that one has to assume the in between the lines way to often. There were large gaps, and as I was reading, I was wondering how much time it took her to write the book. I trudged through until the end, but I never got a feeling of satisfaction from this work. There is so much more that could have been added that would have created a better read.
I read this one in one day, but it was an enjoyable read. Catherine Parr was the least likely person to become confidant of the King, and eventually his sixth wife. It was not a role that she relished and if she had been honest with him, she would have rather married another, but she held her tongue and did as the King commanded. One has to wonder though if she ever really got what she wanted out of life, before it was to late to enjoy it. Her last marriage to Thomas Seymour was one of love. She died soon after giving birth to their daughter, Mary, but also with the news that what her husband was up to could brand him a traitor and cost him his life. She was spared public humiliation as the queen dowager at her husbands foolishness, not because she didnt want to be there, but because she gave her life to bring her child into the world.
Life was never easy for women, and even harder for women of privilege and rank, as their every move and motive was questioned. King Henry VIII is believed to have loved Catherine the most. She kept his confidences through the years, and then as his wife, was not afraid to speak her mind. He even protected her when they came to arrest her for heresey. How much of what he did to her was for amusement to himself or the court, and how much was because he truly loved her and cherished their bond?
She led quite an interesting life, married in youth to the love of her life, married for convenience after his death. Then came marriage to the King.
This shows the quiet nature and her honesty in new light, as well her forgiving side, as with her sister in law Anne. I have enjoyed these as they seem to breathe new life into old history
Once again Sharon Kay Penman doesnt disappoint!! I could not put this book down! I read it in 1.5 days and found myself once again drawn into the story line. You can almost feel as though you are racing down the lane with the army as they scrambled for battle, or with the queen in her apartments as she railed against what her husband had done, once again rejecting her advice and following his own thoughts. More often than not, Henry found himself at odds with those on his council, but he had learned from his parents marriage that the fewer who knew what was going on, the better.
Henry and Thomas Becket are the main characters in this story, and one that goes from close friendship to one of hatred between the two men. Becket upon his promotion to Archbishop of Canterbury suddenly seems to thwart the King in everything, where as before he was only to happy to help the King carry out his orders. As the tension grows between the two men, Becket flees England looking for asylum in France and for help from the pope himself. Henry at this time also becomes involved with a young woman, Rosamund Clifford, and when the queen finds out sparks are sure to fly!
This book kept me on the edge of my chair the entire way though! I couldnt wait to find out what happened next, and am now looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy, the Devils Brood.
Nothing from Sharon Kay Penman is ever disappointing, and I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Medieval history.
I really enjoyed this look into the life of Anne Neville. I have always enjoyed anything with her and Richard in it, starting when I read “The Sunne in Splendor” by Sharon Kay Penman. I was engrossed in this read as it expanded upon her life and the turmoil that she lived through. This was a time of change for England as Henry and Marguerite de Anjou were removed from power and Edward assumed the throne. With his unpopular marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, the country was again thrust into to turmoil as people voiced their displeasure of the news, not least of all was Anne's father, the Earl of Warwick, one of the most powerful men in the country.
In the midst of all of this, Edwards younger brothers, George and Richard, come to live at Middleham, the childhood home of Anne, and learn from her powerful father. The two immediately strike up a friendship, which turns to love for both of them, unbeknownst to the other. When George and Isabel hide Anne away where Richard cannot find her, he scours the countryside until he finds her, and makes his intentions of marrying her known. The love story between these two is one of magic and happiness in a time where there wasnt much to be happy about. After the death of Edward and the discovery of his dubious marriage status, Richard assumes the throne, and he and Anne are thrust deeper into the politics of the time, and away from their precious son.
The unfolding of this story and the life that Anne Neville lived was truly amazing, and almost a real Cinderella story. There were a few parts in the book that I was not thrilled with, but overall I loved the book!
