Henry VIII's Crown Recreated

Readers of this blog will know that I'm not the biggest Tudor fan (because of the way they obtained the Crown of England). Elizabeth I is the exception to this rule. All that aside, it still horrifies me when I think about how all the Medieval Crown Jewels were broken up, melted down, and sold when Cromwell took control in 1649. All the coronation regalia that English monarchs had worn from probably the time of William the Conqueror through the Tudors was completely gone. It makes me sick to think about that complete erasure of history.

Now, after countless hours of work, Henry VIII's crown has been recreated in detail using Tudor era metalworking techniques. You can click HERE to be taken to an article about the project and the recreated crown. Its really fascinating. I'd like to think that this could be done for other pieces of the Medieval Regalia that was lost to history.

Book Review: The Queen's Pleasure

The Queen's Pleasure, Brandy Purdy
4 roses

I was so honored when Brandy Purdy asked me if I'd like to review her newest novel! I have enjoyed her previous novels and was eager to dive into this one. While it covers a time period I am quite familiar with, Elizabeth I's reign, it is about a person that I am only slightly familiar with: Amy Dudley, wife of the Queen's favorite, Robert Dudley. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story as there hasn't been much out there about Amy and the little bit I've read in different books has been contradictory, but I was not disappointed with what I found between the pages.

REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!

Before picking up this book I knew who Amy Dudley was and what happened to her and the speculation surrounding that event but that was basically all I knew. The one story I have read that focused on her life was so horrible that I found I didn't like any of the people in it and, as that author's portrayal of Elizabeth I was so twisted from everything else I'd read about her, I had a very hard time believing anything presented about Amy. However, Ms. Purdy has really opened up the life of this rather mysterious historical figure and presented a very interesting story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and actually had a hard time putting down in the evenings. I thought she did a wonderful job of showing Amy as a simple, country girl who only wanted someone to love and to be loved in return and who, though still deeply in love and trying to cling to a little hope, knew that she had lost the man she loved. I could actually feel sorry for this Amy and hated the way she was treated by her husband (whereas in the other novel I read about her I couldn't stand her clingy ways and didn't care what happened to her). I could almost feel her helplessness as she realized that nothing she ever did would be good enough for Robert. Her struggle with the cancer in her breast was absolutely heartbreaking and I can not begin to imagine how terrifying it might have been for someone suffering from it during this time period of limited medical knowledge and medicine. As no one knows for certain what exactly happened to Amy that day at Cumnor Place, there were several theories at the time (and that still persist to this day) and Ms. Purdy has actually manged to weave most of them together, creating a believable story. I liked her portrayal of Elizabeth here as well: a strong, intelligent woman who knows her own mind and what she wants but yet likes to have a little fun, though never letting it influence her dedication to England (this is not the sniveling, unable to function without a man Elizabeth that you'll find in that other novel). I loved the way the author has Elizabeth stepping in as Amy's unknown "champion" when she realizes how Robert had lied to her about his relationship with his wife and how she was being treated. As for Robert Dudley, the more I read about him in various novels, the more I do not like him. I absolutely hated him here not only for the horrible way he treated Amy but for his disgusting arrogance and ambition to be King. I literally laughed in delight when Elizabeth finally put him in his place towards the end and he realized that his dream (or in his eyes, his destiny) to be King was not going to be realized.

No one knows for certain what really happened to Amy and even to this day several theories exist. The little bit of historical information about what happened (namely the findings of the jury investigating her death) really doesn't answer any questions and historians and novelists have been filling in the gaps ever since. I feel Brandy Purdy did a great job patching together the very scanty information available about Amy and creating a believable story. At no point did I think "well, that couldn't have happened" or "that doesn't sound like something he/she would've said." After reading Ms. Purdy's novel I am sad to know that this one woman whose untimely death (natural or unnatural) probably had a huge impact on England's history is so relatively unknown; there is really nothing out there that tells us what Amy Robsart Dudley was really like. I can recommend this to any lovers of Tudor historical fiction. It is also an easy read that readers new to the time period or genre would have no problem following or understanding.

Thank you Brandy for the chance to read your wonderful novel!

Note: This will be published in the UK as A Court Affair by Emily Purdy.

The Queen's Pleasure Virtual Book Tour

I am super excited to be a part of the next virtual tour introducing Brandy Purdy's newest novel The Queen's Pleasure! I will be posting my review on June 4 and I can not wait to share my thoughts on this story! Head on over to the Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours blog where you can see the entire tour schedule and special events. You're not going to want to miss out on anything with this one!


About the novel:

Publication date: June 26, 2012

When young Robert Dudley, an earl's son, meets squire's daughter Amy Robsart, it is love at first sight. They marry despite parental misgivings, but their passion quickly fades, and the ambitious Dudley returns to court. Swept up in the turmoil of Tudor politics, Dudley is imprisoned in the Tower. Also a prisoner is Dudley's childhood playmate, the princess Elizabeth. In the shadow of the axe, their passion ignites. When Elizabeth becomes queen, rumors rage that Dudley means to free himself of Amy in order to wed her. And when Amy is found dead in unlikely circumstances, suspicion falls on Dudley - and the Queen...Still hotly debated amongst scholars - was Amy's death an accident, suicide, or murder? - the fascinating subject matter makes for an enthralling read for fans of historical fiction.

Mailbox Monday - March 5, 2012

Mailbox Monday is now on tour! It is being hosted this month by Diary of an Eccentric. To find out more about the history of Mailbox Monday and a list of future hosts visit the Mailbox Monday site.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists!

Only one this week.


Threads, Nell Gavin

I've been waiting for this one for a LONG time and I finally made it to the front of the waiting list on Paperbackswap.com. The author takes a really different look at Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII's relationship, showing them connected throughout many lifetimes.

Mailbox Monday - February 27, 2012

Mailbox Monday is now on tour! It is being hosted this month by MetroReader. To find out more about the history of Mailbox Monday and a list of future hosts visit the Mailbox Monday site.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists!

A couple new books for review showed up over the past couple of days!

Her Highness, the Traitor, Susan Higginbotham

Very excited to get Susan's newest novel about Jane Dudley (Robert Dudley's mother) and Frances Grey (Jane Grey's mother)! Look for my review soon!





The Queen's Pleasure, Brandy Purdy

I also received this one for review as well! Very much looking forward to seeing the author's take on Amy Dudley's story (wife of Robert Dudley).

Tudor Giveaway

The ladies over at Royal Reviews are hosting a Tudor giveaway this Christmas season. Click the badge below to take you to the site for all the info!

New Novel by Brandy Purdy!

Brandy Purdy (author of The Boleyn Wife and The Tudor Throne) will be releasing her new novel The Queen's Pleasure in July 2012.



From Brandy Purdy's blog:

When young Robert Dudley, an earl’s son, meets squire’s daughter Amy Robsart, it is love at first sight. They marry despite parental misgivings, but their passion quickly fades, and the ambitious Dudley returns to court.

Swept up in the turmoil of Tudor politics, Dudley is imprisoned in the Tower. Also a prisoner is Dudley’s childhood playmate, the princess Elizabeth. In the shadow of the axe, their passion ignites. When Elizabeth becomes queen, rumors rage that Dudley means to free himself of Amy in order to wed her. And when Amy is found dead in unlikely circumstances, suspicion falls on Dudley—and the Queen…

Still hotly debated amongst scholars—was Amy’s death an accident, suicide, or murder?—the fascinating subject matter makes for an enthralling read for fans of historical fiction.


Please note this book is published in the UK as A Court Affair by Emily Purdy.

Review Update!

I am behind on the books that I am intending on posting reviews for (having a 4 year old and a 5 month old will do that!). I promise they are coming! Here is what I have read and plan on posting about:


Three Maids for a Crown, Ella March Chase
Chase's latest novel looks into the lives of Lady Jane Grey's younger sisters Katherine and Mary, and how they struggled through the twists and turns of the turbulent times.

Vlad: The Last Confession, C.C. Humphreys
Humphreys' novel about Vlad (the inspiration for Stoker's Dracula) is a very interesting look into the life of the historical and very real Prince.

The Tudor Throne, Brandy Purdy
Purdy's lastest novel focuses on the lives of half sisters Mary and Elizabeth and how they both reacted to the trying events in their lives.

Bath Tangle, Georgette Heyer
Another wonderful Regency novel by one of the masters, this novel tells a fun story of tangled relationships.


Be on the lookout for these reviews!

What Would Shakespeare Do?

or rather...did Shakespeare do it?

That is the story driving the upcoming movie by Columbia Pictures Anonymous. The movie looks at the old rumor that William Shakespeare did not write all his famous plays; that he was just the front man for another writer who, for reasons to be revealed in the movie (politically based), wanted to remain anonymous.

You can watch a trailer here.

So what is this old rumor? Basically that the Earl of Oxford, not William Shakespeare, wrote all the plays. Who was the Earl of Oxford? A courtier in Queen Elizabeth I's court. What do I think of this old rumor and the movie based on it? I believe Shakespeare probably did write most of the plays and poems but could certainly have had some help along the way. As for the movie, I'll go watch it because it concerns one of my favorite time periods and historical figures (Queen E) and the idea behind it is certainly intriguing. Besides, the sets and costumes look gorgeous and that's reason enough for me to go see it (I'm always dying for a chance to see this time period on the big screen!).

Does it really matter if Shakespeare worked alone on his plays or not? They are still the wonderful masterpieces whether he wrote them or if someone else wrote them.

Coming to theaters 10/28.

Mailbox Monday - September 5, 2011

Mailbox Monday is a weekly meme originally created by Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (formerly known as The Printed Page) and is now located here. It is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Mailbox Monday is being hosted this month by Amused by Books.

Treated myself to a couple from Amazon this week! So excited to read these!


George Knightley, Esquire: Lead Me Leave, Barbara Cornthwaite

This is book 2 in Ms. Cornthwaite's retelling of Austen's Emma from the hero, George Knightley's eyes. I absolutely LOVED book 1 and I have been waiting anxiously for book 2 (while reading some of the author's excerpts on her blog!).




Three Maids for a Crown, Ella March Chase

This will be the second book by this author that I have read (the first was The Virgin Queen's Daughter). Ms. Chase again delves into Tudor intrigue as she tells the story of the three Grey sisters. Very much looking forward to getting into this one.

Book Review: To Die For

To Die For, Sandra Byrd
4 roses

I was honored to receive this novel for an early review and to participate in the author's virtual book tour (details here). Sandra Byrd has written an interesting story about the life of Meg Wyatt, sister of Thomas Wyatt and close friend to Anne Boleyn.

Having read novels covering the tumultuous years of the Tudors it is always refreshing to read a novel that comes from the view point of a person that is little known to history, thus giving an old story new life. That is the case with Ms. Byrd's newest work. In To Die For the author follows the life of Margaret Wyatt, a person rarely mentioned in Tudor novels. The Boleyns and the Wyatts grew up "next door" to each other and Anne and Meg became very close friends. Meg watched Anne's fabulous rise to power and her ultimate downfall all the while having to navigate the tricky and devious ways of the Tudor Court in order to survive.

I found the book an interesting read, though not a very in depth or heavy book. As I have read countless novels covering all aspects of this time period there weren't any new historical details introduced to me but Ms Byrd did a good job of not butchering history either. However, I think this novel's strength is in showing the reader what life was really like for a courtier in Henry VIII's court - and it wasn't always pleasant. Meg has to constantly watch her step as everyone was out for personal gain and would do anything to achieve more power or money or position. I liked Meg's character as she actually had personality; she was a true and faithful friend, a strong woman, and selfless. She had to overcome quite a bit throughout the course of the story - an abusive father, a very vindictive brother, the loss of her true love to the priesthood, and the eventual loss of her friend - but these trials really helped shape her into a strong and honorable woman who I was rooting for throughout. The author's characterization of other players in this novel were wonderful as well; I honestly felt my skin crawl every time Simon or Meg's brother appeared on the page. The writing is just very well done and will carry the reader along. Ms. Byrd's wonderful details of meals and fashion and the palaces will really immerse the reader in the time period, which to me is a sign of an author who has done their homework. She blends fact and fiction together beautifully and I never had a moment where I thought something that was spoken or described seemed untrue to the times.

I can easily recommend this novel to lovers of the Tudor time period. It would be an easy and informative read for anyone just beginning to delve into the intricacies of the period. Ms. Byrd's writing is easy to read and her details and historical information will not bog a reader down.

Eavesdroppers at Hampton Court Palace - A Guest Post by Sandra Byrd

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours is celebrating the new release by Sandra Byrd To Die For and I was honored to have the author supply a guest post on a secret world at Hampton Court Palace.

Henry VIII had a famously acquisitive nature – and it wasn't limited to women. The man also had a passion for real estate. As king, he inherited many castles and palaces owned by the crown, but throughout his reign he added others by purchase, trade or payment of debt; through reclamation to the crown due to attainder; "recovering" property through the dissolution of assets formerly owned by the Roman Catholic church; and by "gift." A primary advisor in the early years of Henry's sovereignty was Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a man with tastes as extravagant as the King's and who also had the means to indulge them. When the King saw Hampton Court Palace, Cardinal Wolsey’s sumptuous, Thames-side property, he envied him of it. Knowing that he was on uncertain terms with the king, Wolsey offered Hampton Court Palace to him. Henry accepted the generous gift but did not reinstate Wolsey in his favor.

Once he owned the palace, Henry set about remodeling. One of the most beautiful reconstructions was to the Great Hall. The Great Hall was a large chamber where the king dined in public and where entertainments were often held. The hall, like everything else in Henry's court, was to be well-appointed to represent his power and glory. Historian Neville Williams claimed that masons worked round the clock for five years to complete the rebuilding of the hall to Henry's showy satisfaction. The room would have been overpowering to the senses, the tastes and smells of rich foods and spices, the feel of lush wood paneling and tightly woven tapestries, the music of players, the courtly flirtations. But high above the heads of the guests, tucked into the dark corners of the roof beams, lurked one of the Great Hall's most interesting features of all.

Fine embellishments had been carved into the ceiling beams, among them an HA crest for Henry and Anne Boleyn which remains to this day, but especially intriguing are the Eavesdroppers. The word eavesdropper has been in circulation since at least the 900s, coming from the old English, yfesdrype. It meant then just what it means now - someone listening to conversations in secret, watching and hearing without the permission or knowledge of the speakers. The cherubic, courtier faces would have smiled down upon guests, reminding all that Henry was aware of everything at his court through courtiers and servants. Even while at play there was never a time for loose tongues among long ears, as those who spoke freely often did to perilous consequence. At the Tudor Court, it was better to see nothing, hear nothing, and say nothing till you were in private chambers where eavesdroppers, one hoped, did not lurk.

Thank you again Sandra Byrd for this fabulous guest post! Below you will find information that will direct you to Ms. Bryd's website, blog, and Facebook page. Make sure to read my review of this newest Tudor novel!


Author Website/Ladies in Waiting Web Page Here
Sandra Byrd's Blog Here
Sandra Byrd's FB Page Here

Rest in Peace Richard

Richard III (Oct 2, 1452 - Aug 22, 1485)

On this day in 1485, the most maligned King in English history was killed at the Battle of Bosworth field. He was betrayed by some of his lords and was "piteously slain and murdered" (as is recorded in the York City records), paving the way for the usurper Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond (Henry VII). Thus began the Tudor Dynasty, based on a very weak and illegitimate claim to the throne, and the complete destruction of Richard's reputation.

The battle was mainly a hand-to-hand encounter (which was typical of the times), with the Stanley family (who had promised Tudor that they would desert Richard) keeping away from the fight until, at a critical moment when it was obvious which way the victory was headed, they joined Tudor. Richard, realizing that he was betrayed, cried out, "Treason, treason!" He knew he'd either leave as the King of England or dead and refused to leave the field until, overpowered by numbers, he fell dead in the middle of his enemies. He came very close to dispatching his enemy, Henry Tudor, killing his standard barer, William Brandon (the father of Henry VIII's close friend, Charles Brandon). The crown was supposedly picked up on the field of battle and placed by Sir William Stanley on the head of Tudor, who was at once proclaimed king by the whole army. After the battle Richard's body was carried to Leicester, carried naked across a horse's back, and buried without honor in the church of the Greyfriars. His death was the end of the Plantagenet Dynasty which had ruled England since the succession of Henry II in 1154.

Richard was not the villain that his enemies made him out to appear. He had good qualities, both as a man and a ruler, and seemed to have a sound judgment of political needs (he had been able to keep the North of England in peace for his brother). However, it is impossible to clear him of the crime, the popular belief that was mostly likely the chief cause of his ruin - the death of his nephews, Edward V and Richard, Duke of York, in the Tower of London. He was not a monster but a typical man in an age of strange contradictions of character, an age of refined (for the day) culture mixed with horrible cruelty, and he possessed an emotional temper that was capable of anything (he was a Plantagenet after all). Tradition represents Richard as deformed but this has never been proven. After his defeat at Bosworth, Tudor and his supporters needed to solidify his claim to the throne and what better way to do that than to make the English people think that the King he replaced was a deformed, evil monster who killed his own nephews? No one did more to cement that belief than William Shakespeare with his play Richard III (who was undoubtedly writing to please the Tudors). They were hugely successful in their endeavors and, unfortunately, this view of Richard stuck until probably the 20th century when scholars really began to study him.

Loyaulte me lie

Mailbox Monday - August 15, 2011

Mailbox Monday is a weekly meme originally created by Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (formerly known as The Printed Page) and is now located here. It is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Mailbox Monday is being hosted this month by Life in the Thumb.


The Tudor Throne, Brandy Purdy

I received Ms. Purdy's newest novel about Elizabeth and Mary today after winning it on her blog. Thanks so much! Looking forward to reading it!

To Die For Virtual Book Tour

Sandra Byrd Virtual Book Tour
To Die For

Join Amy from Passages to the Past and fellow bloggers for this event to celebrate the release of Ms. Byrd's new novel To Die For! Reviews of the novel and special author guest posts are scheduled across several different blogs.

Make sure to keep an eye on my blog as well! My review will be posted on August 25 and I will have a guest post from the author on August 26.

Most Influential Monarchs in British History (to 1603)

While awaiting the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday, many have wondered what kind of King and Queen these two will become and how their reign will impact Britain. I have thought the same thing but I have also thought back on the many monarchs who have already left their mark on the kingdom. Thus the idea for this post was born and below are the monarchs (up to 1603) who I feel made the biggest impact on England - for good or bad.

1. William the Conqueror
Obviously we need to start at the beginning (or close to it anyway!) and that means the Norman Conquest of 1066. One of the most well known of William's contributions is the Tower of London. He originally built it to show the native English that he was now in charge and he was there to stay. Another of William's contributions to history, and one that may be more important historically, is the Doomsday Book, which was a very complete survey of England at the time (names of towns, who lived there, what they owned, etc, etc). Many customs, especially in the royal court, were formed during William's reign. The Anglo-Saxon ways were slowly erased. The coming of the Normans changed much in England and many of those changes remained through the years.

2. John
This youngest son of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II is usually seen as one of the worst kings in English history but there is one legacy from his reign that made a huge impact on the country and its future - Magna Carta. Because of the lack of trust between John and his barons, Magna Carta was eventually forced on John as a way of controlling some of the monarch's powers. While bits and pieces of this were whittled away over the years, some of the laws set down in the 13th century remain to this day. Some view Magna Carta as a "great constitutional document," the beginnings of the freedoms so many enjoy today.

3. Edward I
This warrior king changed the boundaries of England as no king before him had done. He accomplished what no king before him had managed - the conquest of Wales and Scotland. Granted, England's control of Scotland turned out to be temporary, but Edward did manage to expand England's boundaries and much of that remains in "English" hands to this day. In order to hang on to England's new territory and fill the local populaces with awe, Edward went on a building spree of massive proportions, building many castles along the Welsh border, most of which can be visited today (Caernarfon Castle for example).

4. Henry V
Another of England's warrior kings set quite a bit in motion for England's future, though at the time most of it could not have been imagined. His victory in France gave Englishmen a strong sense of pride, not to mention the desire continue the country's military successes for several generations. After his victory over France and claiming of the French crown (which many English monarchs tried to actually wear), he married the French King's daughter, who in turn gave birth to the future Henry VI, whose reign would be the main battle ground of the Wars of the Roses.

5. Henry VII
While I am not overly fond of the man, I add Henry VII to this list mainly for the fact that had he not been victorious on Bosworth Field, the next two powerful monarchs on my list would not have existed. It is hard to image British history without the presence of this king's son and granddaughter, not to mention the huge changes that occurred during their reigns.

6. Henry VIII
When talking about changes in England we can't overlook Henry's break from the Catholic Church in his quest for a divorce. One could say that, aside from the Norman Conquest in 1066, the break with the Church during Henry's reign is the most significant change in England's history. It certainly was momentous and fueled tension in the country for many years to come. Henry VIII also began the building up of England's Navy, seeing it as a way to help build and secure the empire he so desperately wanted to create.

7. Elizabeth I
Henry VIII's daughter had an equally important impact on England and its future - politically and culturally. The big triumph of Elizabeth's reign is the triumph of the English over the Spanish Armada. There is no way of knowing what England would be like today if Elizabeth and her small navy had not over come the much more powerful Spanish forces. However, Elizabeth's reign is particularly known for the achievements of artists, poets, and playwrights (does the name William Shakespeare ring any bells?); so many achievements and advancements were made during her reign that this literary time period is called the Elizabethan era.



I am well aware that these are not the only monarchs who have made an impact on England throughout its long history. I am also aware that these are just short little bits of information and many of these monarchs did much more than I have mentioned above. I simply wanted to highlight some of the kings (and queen) whose influence can still be seen through the country to this day.

Book Review: The Queen's Rival

The Queen's Rival, Diane Haeger
4 roses

I was honored and excited to receive this a couple months ago to review. As this newest novel by Diane Haeger is about the life of a character that is mentioned mostly in passing in most historical fiction about the time period, I was even more intrigued to dive into its pages. I am happy to say I was not disappointed.

The story Ms. Haeger focuses on in her newest novel is that of Elizabeth (or Bessie) Blount, King Henry VIII's first "well known" mistress and mother of his first, though illegitimate, son, Henry Fitzroy. The story follows her life from her early years at Henry's court, to which she arrived when she was fourteen, through her short time as Henry's mistress, the birth of their son, and her following years of a new marriage and forced separation from her child, ending with her returning to visit Henry upon the death of Fitzroy. What intrigued me most about this novel was the fact that though it is set in a time period that I am extremely familiar with, it focused on a person who I am NOT overly familiar with and gave me a version of a familiar story from a new and much different view point. Most Tudor readers know who Bessie Blount is and why she was, for a short time, so important to Henry VIII. However, in the majority of Tudor historical fiction she is only going to be mentioned in passing with absolutely no time devoted to her, her life, or who she really was. She wasn't Henry's first mistress while married to Katherine of Aragon but she was (I believe) the first that was publicly known and acknowledged as such. The fact that she gave Henry his first living son gave her a very special position of (potential) power, though she never used it. In fact, despite her surroundings, she managed to maintain a certain innocence and kindness while still becoming a strong female character who could handle the ups and downs of her life. I found it interesting to follow Bess as she struggled in the court environment with all its backstabbing and mystery and her relationship with the King. Compared to some of his other well known mistresses, Bessie's "reign" was quite brief, cut short by her pregnancy and being sent away from court to have the child; she never returned to Henry's court. After Henry Fitzroy's birth the novel focuses on her life in the country with a new husband and family and her thoughts and reactions to all the news and gossip surrounding the Tudors.

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. I have not read much by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. It was well written with good characters and good description of details of life in the middle of the Tudor court. There are appearances from much more familiar figures in Tudor history and I never felt that their characters seemed "out of character" but the story really does focus on Bessie and her life, which I really liked. I am so familiar with this time period that it was very refreshing to read about someone knew and not really read the same old story once again. I enjoyed Ms. Haeger's portrayal of Bessie, never feeling that she was too sweet or too innocent and I really did find her story interesting. I do have to say that I almost cried when she realized, after sending their son to him for a visit when he was just a few years old, that Henry was going to keep Fitzroy with him and give him his own household. As my review copy did not include author notes I have no idea how much of Bessie's life is actually recorded in history for authors to use as reference and how much of this story is the author's creation; I would be interested to find out though. That aside, I really enjoyed reading this novel and its high rating is mainly because it gave me a fresh look at this time period. I would highly recommend this novel to any fan of Tudor historical fiction, especially those who are tired of reading the same old story over again!

This Week in History...

November 20, 1591 - Christopher Hatton, a favorite of Elizabeth I, died at Ely Palace, penniless and childless.

1947 - The future Elizabeth II and Philip of Greece married at Westminster Abbey.

November 21, 1272 - Edward I is crowned King of England. He had been on his way home from crusade when his father, Henry III, died.

1620 - The colonists sign the Mayflower Compact.

November 22, 1428 - Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, is born. Warwick would become known as the "Kingmaker" for his role in helping Edward IV gain the English throne.

1515 – Marie of Guise, wife of James V of Scotland and mother to Mary, Queen of Scots, was born.

November 23, 1499 - Henry VII hanged Perkin Warbeck, who claimed to be the younger of the Princes in the Tower, Richard, Duke of York, at the Tower of London.

1503 – Margaret of York, wife of Charles I, Duke of Burgundy and sister to Edward IV and Richard III, died in Burgundy.

November 24, 1273 - Alfonso, Earl of Chester, son of Edward I, was born in France. At the time, he was his father's only surviving son.

1541 - Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII, sister of Henry VIII, and wife to James IV of Scotland, died of a stroke in Scotland.

1859 - Darwin publishes his On the Origin of the Species.

November 25, 1120 - William the Aetheling, Duke of Normandy, son and heir of Henry I, died when the White Ship sunk off the coast of Normandy. This death resulted in the succession crisis between his sister Matilda and their cousin Stephen.

November 26, 1326 - Hugh le Despenser (the Younger) was tried and executed for treason by Queen Isabella (wife of Edward II, mother of Edward III) and her lover Roger Mortimer.

1504 - Isabella I of Castile, wife of Ferdinand of Aragon and mother of Catherine of Aragon, died in Spain.

This Week in History...

November 13, 1002 - English King Æthelred (the Unready) ordered the killing of all the Danes in England.

November 13, 1312 - Edward III is born at Windsor.

November 14, 1060 – Geoffrey II, Count of Anjou, died.

November 14, 1501 - Arthur, Prince of Wales, son of Henry VII, and Katherine of Aragon were married at St. Paul's Cathedral.

November 14, 1948 - Prince Charles, son of Queen Elizabeth II, was born at Buckingham Palace.

November 15, 1515 - Thomas Wolsey is invested as a Cardinal.

November 16, 1272 - Henry III died at the Palace of Westminster.

November 16, 2010 - Prince William, son of the Prince of Wales, announces he is going to marry his longtime girl friend.

November 17, 1326 - Edmund FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel, is executed by Queen Isabella and her lover, Roger Mortimer, after their invasion of England and the capture of Edward II.

November 17, 1534 - Parliament passes the Act of Supremacy which make Henry VIII the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

November 17, 1558 - Mary I died at St. James Palace. Her half sister Elizabeth became Queen.

November 17, 1558 - Reginald Pole, the last Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury, died from an illness only a few hours after his Queen.

November 17, 1796 - Catherine the Great of Russia died in St. Petersburg.

November 18, 1590 - George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, died at home. He is probably best known as Mary, Queen of Scots' long time jailer. She was in his custody for eighteen years.

November 19, 1600 - The future Charles I was born at Dunfermline Palace in Scotland. His father would become King of England in 3 years.

November 19, 1620 - The Mayflower arrived at Cape Cod.

November 19, 1703 - The Man in the Iron Mask, a mysterious French prisoner, dies.

This Week in History...

November 6, 1429 - Henry VI was crowned King of England seven years after acceding to the throne when he was only eight months old. He was crowned King of France two years later.

November 6, 1479 – Juana of Castile was born to Ferdinand and Isabella. She was Katherine of Aragon's older sister and gained a reputation for being "mad" later in life.

November 7, 1485 - Henry VII's succession is confirmed when Parliament passes an Act of Succession.

November 8, 2003 - The author of this blog got married!

November 9, 1384 – Isabella of Valois, second wife of Richard II, was born in France.

November 9, 1841 - The future Edward VII, eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was born.

November 10, 1480 - Bridget of York, daughter of Edward IV, was born. Bridget would eventually become a nun.

November 10, 1483 - Martin Luther was born.

November 11, 1100 - Henry I married Matilda of Scotland at Westminster Abbey.

November 11, 1620 - The Mayflower Compact is signed near Cape Cod.

November 12, 1035 - Canute, King of England, Denmark and Norway died.

November 12, 1094 – Duncan II of Scotland died.