Stephen and Matilda's Civil War: Cousins of Anarchy by Matthew Lewis

 

Publication Date:

January 19, 2020

Genre: 

History, Medieval History

Length:  

256 pages

Series:

No

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

The Anarchy was the first civil war in post Conquest England, enduring throughout the reign of King Stephen between 1135 and 1154. It ultimately brought about the end of the Norman dynasty and the birth of the mighty Plantagenet kings. When Henry I died having lost his only legitimate son in a shipwreck, he required all of his barons to swear to recognize his daughter Matilda, widow of the Holy Roman Emperor, as his heir and remarried her to Geoffrey, Count of Anjou. When she was slow to move to England on her father's death, Henry's favorite nephew, Stephen of Blois, rushed to have himself crowned, much as Henry himself had done on the death of his brother William Rufus.

Supported by his brother Henry, Bishop of Winchester, Stephen made a promising start, but Matilda would not give up her birthright and tried to hold the English barons to their oaths. The result was more than a decade of civil war that saw England split apart. Empress Matilda is often remembered as aloof and high-handed, Stephen as ineffective and indecisive. By following both sides of the dispute and seeking to understand their actions and motivations, Matthew Lewis aims to reach a more rounded understanding of this crucial period of English history and asks to what extent there really was anarchy.

My Thoughts

Matthew Lewis is a great historian and podcaster who makes history accessible to people who know little about a subject. He also is a great researcher who adds things into his books and shows that those who already know a lot about the subject will still be entertained and informed. This is the best kind of history writing. This book did not disappoint. I love his podcast, Gone Medieval and his books are great to read further about topics he features on the show.  In this book, Lewis explains the origins and progress of the Anarchy period and switches back and forth between the two points of view of each of the leaders involved, King Stephen and Empress Matilda.

Drawing from original sources and adding his own thoughts to the narrative, the author tries to explain, from the beginning, the motivations and players behind the struggle of who would rule England in the mid 1100's. Specifically, after the death of Henry I in 1135. Each chapter focuses on the political power plays, battles, and personal relationships that shaped Stephen and Matilda's reasons for believing they were the rightful owner of the crown. It reads more straight history than historical fiction so if you are looking for entertainment or a lot of personal touches this might not be what you are used to. But for anyone who likes this subject, it is a great read because it makes you consider who you'd support and then question that choice again and again, depending on whose ideas are being presented.

It sticks to the basics, the men who pledged their loyalty to Matilda only to reverse course. Matilda's loyal brother Robert of Gloucester, who started off as Stephen's man but ended up fiercely loyal to his sister's cause. Lewis seems to play a bit more to the Stephen side but I think he is fair in presenting the strengths and weaknesses in both. 

While I didn't learn a lot of new things, mostly because I've read so much on this subject the last few years, I really did enjoy the switching chapter viewpoints. I also liked that the book isn't super long, the chapters aren't either, so someone who wants to get the basic facts down can do so while also getting a good picture of how "right" each one thought they were. It is a good starting place and in depth enough for history buffs too. 

 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Queen's Sister by Carol McGrath

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Queen's Sister, by Carol McGrath. It appears to be a stand alone novel but I know this author for her popular trilogies about earlier queens. Anyone who loves historical fiction about the tudors will want to try this one. It tells the story of Elizabeth Seymour, a sister of Anne Boleyn and her attempt to distance herself from King Henry VIII's court to no avail. She is caught up in the events concerning the other sister, Jane and "dark plots and secrets" of the court. I'm sure it is exciting fiction and I always like authors who take more obscure people and bring them to life. 

Historical Fiction

June 4, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

A mother, a wife, a woman of substance...

At nineteen, Elizabeth Seymour is already a mother, has been recently widowed, and seen her Queen, Anne Boleyn, lose her life. Against the wishes of her father, she heads North, away from Wulf Hall and the court in London to Yorkshire, determined to establish a new beginning as a landowner and business woman. As her family in Wiltshire curry favour with King Henry, aided by Thomas Cromwell, Elizabeth makes Kexby Manor her home, finding loyalty among her people there.

Soon, news comes to Elizabeth of the King's desires for her sister, Jane and while her brother, Edward, encourages her own betrothal to Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas. It is a happy second marriage for Elizabeth, but it brings unwanted involvement in the dark plots and secrecy of the court, while in the wider country, changes in religious practice threaten to alter the traditions and values of all she has known.

The Queen's Sister vividly imagines the story of the woman possibly portrayed in Hans Holbein's beautiful painting 'Portrait of a Lady,' and is a colourful, meticulously researched novel of Tudor life behind the scenes.

Mary, Queen of France by Jean Plaidy (Tudor Saga Book Nine)

 

Publication Date:

January 1, 1964

Genre: 

Historical Fiction

Length:  

305 pages

Series:

Tudor Saga/Tudor Princesses

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Legendary historical novelist Jean Plaidy brings to life the story of Princess Mary Tudor, a celebrated beauty and born rebel who would defy the most powerful king in Europe--her older brother.

Princess Mary Rose is the youngest sister of Henry VIII, and one of the few people whom he adores unconditionally. Known throughout Europe for her charm and good looks, Mary is the golden child of the Tudor family and is granted her every wish.

Except when it comes to marriage. Henry VIII, locked in a political showdown with France, decides to offer up his pampered baby sister to secure peace between the two mighty kingdoms. Innocent, teenage Mary must become the wife of the elderly King Louis, a toothless, ailing man in his sixties. Horrified and furious, Mary has no choice but to sail for France. There she hones her political skills, bides her time, and remains secretly in love with Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk. When King Louis dies after only two years of marriage, Mary is determined not to be sold into another unhappy union. She must act quickly; if she wants to be with the man she truly loves, she must defy the laws of church and state by marrying without her brother's permission. Together, Mary and Charles devise a scheme to outwit the most ruthless king in Europe and gain their hearts' desire, not knowing if it will lead to marital bliss or certain death.

My Thoughts

Anyone who reads my blog knows I'm a huge Jean Plaidy fan. She takes historical figures and stories and presents them in a straightforward, entertaining way that gets to the point while humanizing the subject. This story about Mary Tudor, (not Queen Mary Tudor) sister of Henry VIII is a great example of her including people that rarely get their own story told. It is a short book because Mary is overshadowed by others of that era but her story is fascinating in its own right and worth reading about.

I knew very little about Mary except that she was very beautiful, was much beloved by her older brother, King Henry VIII and that despite that she was forced into marriage with the very old King of France for political reasons. Her story was very compelling though due to the fact that she went against Henry to later marry her true love, Charles Brandon. Considering all we know about her brother that was a true act of bravery. 

I had forgotten she was also the grandmother of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic nine days queen and that she supported the Catherine of Aragon camp, disliking Anne Boleyn.

The book is very straightforward and no secret information you couldn't find online but Plaidy always finds a way to make it feel like a special, exciting novel. That is what I love....learning history in a personal way. If you want to learn about medieval royalty in a romantic, storylike way you will love this book. The one about her sister Margaret is similiar and another favorite of mine. It is called The Thistle and the Rose. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Grave Merriment by Angela Ranson (Catrin Surovell Tudor Mysteries Book Four)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Grave Merriment by Angela Ranson. I featured the first book in the series in another post, Shades of Death. The books take place at the Elizabethan court and Lady Catrin is asked to investigate a brutal man trying to exhort money from the wealthy. It is set at Christmas time so it would be a good one to save for next year at this time.

Hope you have found something you can't wait for! Happy reading ya'll!

Historical Mystery/Renaissance Mystery

March 13, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Christmas, 1561

Queen Elizabeth’s courtiers are decorating Whitehall Palace and preparing for twelve days of festive food, masques and revelry. But Lady Catrin Surovell, Countess of Ashbourne, cannot find her celebratory spirit. The queen has asked her to stop a brute who has forced the waifs of London to work for him. The boys are being beaten or killed if they don’t help him extort money from the wealthy. And it seems the brute may be someone at Court. 

But Catrin’s attempt to find him are disturbed by a mischief-maker who is taking every opportunity to ruin the Christmas festivities, leaving the queen in great distress. At each scene of chaos Catrin finds a perfume bottle, all with their own unique scent. Is the disruption linked to the brute at court? Or is someone else hell-bent on destroying the queen’s festivities? And can Catrin solve both mysteries before someone ends up in grave danger…? 

GRAVE MERRIMENT is the fourth book in the Catrin Surovell Tudor Mystery Series. It is an exciting historical thriller set at the court of Elizabeth I.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Queens at War: England's Medieval Queens by Alison Weir (Book Four)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Queens at War: England's Medieval Queens, by Alison Weir. I have read the first two books in this series. Weir is a superb historian and storyteller. This book features the queens from the 1400's who found themselves caught up in the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses. This includes Joan of Navarre, Katherine of Valois, Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville, and Anne Neville. I can’t wait to read it. 

Hope you have found something you can't wait for! Happy reading ya'll!

History/Medieval History

December 2, 2025

Book description courtesy of GoodReads

Triumph and tragedy, love and loss, murder and malice in the lives of five fifteenth-century queens. The fifteenth century was a turbulent the Hundred Years War between England and France, and the Wars of the Roses dominated the lives of people both inside and out of the royal courts.

Joan of Navarre, Katherine of Valois, Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Wydeville and Anne Neville were the queens who stood by England's sovereigns, caught up in wars that changed the course of their lives, and the course of history. They were also formidable women who defied the limitations of their times, often living out the brutal consequences of their determination.

Alison Weir uncovers their stories in this final volume of her ground-breaking series on the queens of medieval England. Queens at War is a stunning culmination of research by a historian at the full extent of her powers and gripping account of five women on the throne.

Victoria Victorious: The Story of Queen Victoria by Jean Plaidy (Queens of England Book 3)

 

Publication Date:

January 1972-1976 (Individual books)

Condensed paperback: May 2005

Genre:  

Historical Fiction/Adventure

Length:   

560 pages

Series: 

Queens of England

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

In this unforgettable novel of Queen Victoria, Jean Plaidy re-creates a remarkable life filled with romance, triumph, and tragedy.

At birth, Princess Victoria was fourth in line for the throne of England, the often-overlooked daughter of a prince who died shortly after her birth. She and her mother lived in genteel poverty for most of her childhood, exiled from court because of her mother’s dislike of her uncles, George IV and William IV. A strong, willful child, Victoria was determined not to be stifled by her powerful uncles or her unpopular, controlling mother. Then one morning, at the age of eighteen, Princess Victoria awoke to the news of her uncle William’s death. The almost-forgotten princess was now Queen of England. Even better, she was finally free of her mother’s iron hand and her uncles’ manipulations. Her first act as queen was to demand that she be given a room—and a bed—of her own.

Victoria’s marriage to her German cousin, Prince Albert, was a blissfully happy one that produced nine children. Albert was her constant companion and one of her most trusted advisors. Victoria’s grief after Prince Albert’s untimely death was so shattering that for the rest of her life—nearly forty years—she dressed only in black. She survived several assassination attempts, and during her reign England’s empire expanded around the globe until it touched every continent in the world.

Derided as a mere “girl queen” at her coronation, by the end of her sixty-four-year reign, Victoria embodied the glory of the British Empire. In this novel, written as a “memoir” by Victoria herself, she emerges as truthful, sentimental, and essentially human—both a lovable woman and a great queen.

My Thoughts

I read this series of books in my early twenties and later a publisher decided to take all the individual books Plaidy had written about Queen Victoria and condense them into one trade paperback. The dates on the books run from the early 70's and of course Plaidy was not alive to see this paperback published. It is in my opinion one of the best versions of her books and wonderful for anyone who loves learning about Queen Victoria, especially without the tediousness of a straight history book read. This one and the one about Queen Elizabeth I are probably my favorite so far of all her books. I am trying to read all of her books eventually,  but this one just had to be re-read. When school starts and I'm super busy and tired I love to pick up books I've loved and can read again.

The Goodreads summary tells you all you need to know about the book, but I will add my two cents worth! This book follows historical accuracy in great detail (I have read soooo much about her so I can usually spot something that seems embellished) and her personal interactions with her husband, children, grandchildren, Prime Ministers, and relatives. I love how it is written like a diary and we really get to know her through her personal point of view. The early years were especially interesting to me, seeing how her Mother and others used her and controlled her until she came of age and bravely shut them out immediately. It must have taken a lot of courage at only eighteen years old to do this. A lot of material on her starts with her reign and so I appreciated how we get to see it all from her childhood on. 

Plaidy does not paint her as a saint, she is very human, with faults we all have: selfishness, self-pitying sometimes, and needy. But we also come away amazed at her ability to lead from a young age on, and although extremely devoted to Albert, she did push back when necessary.

The book reads like a novel and I feel is wonderful for someone who knows absolutely nothing about her all the way to those of us who can practically recite her life story. You will get caught up in it and be unable to put it down. 

The Thistle and the Rose by Jean Plaidy (The Tudor Princesses) Tudor Saga Book Eight

 

Publication Date:

January 1, 1963

Genre: Historical Fiction

Length:   320 pages 

Series: The Tudor Princesses; Tudor Saga Book Eight

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

From the pen of the legendary historical novelist Jean Plaidy comes the story of Princess Margaret Tudor, whose life of tragedy, bloodshed, and scandal would rival even that of her younger brother, Henry VIII.

Princess Margaret Tudor is the greatest prize when her father, Henry VII, negotiates the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with neighboring Scotland. The betrothal is meant to end decades of bloody border wars, but it becomes a love match: To Margaret’s surprise, she finds joy in her marriage to the dashing James IV of Scotland, a man sixteen years her senior. But the marriage, and the peace it brings to both nations, does not last. When King James is struck down by the armies of Henry VIII, Margaret—Princess of England, but Queen of Scotland—finds herself torn between loyalty to the land and family of her birth and to that of her baby son, now King of the Scots. She decides to remain in Scotland and carve out her own destiny, surviving a scandalous second marriage and battling with both her son and her brother to the very end. Like all the Tudors, Margaret’s life would be one of turmoil and controversy, but through her descendants, England and Scotland would unite as one nation, under one rule, and find peace.

My Thoughts:

Having read this years ago it isn't a new read for me but a re-read. I would like to read and review all of Jean Plaidy's books someday but that is quite a lofty goal. She was a prolific writer and greatly influenced my love of historical fiction. I was resistant to that genre until I discovered her books in my early 20's. This one about Margaret Tudor was one of my all time favorites. Although fairly short and straight forward it is nevertheless packed with history, depth of character, and accuracy. We get such great insight into Scottish politics and Margaret's transformation from young, naive girl to warrior queen, fighting for her family.

The summary above pretty much tells the jist of the story. I felt sorry for her in the beginning. She is so young, just thirteen when she marries James IV of Scotland and wants to please her parents, Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. She is overshadowed by the men in the family of course as they are the heirs to the English throne but as women always were, she is used to shore up an alliance with Scotland. She braves a new home, scheming in laws and fights to stay in the lives of her children. When James is killed in 1513 at the Battle of Flodden, she becomes regent for her son.  As she matures and comes into her own she becomes more hardened and disillusioned but resolute in her will to pave her own way as best she can as a woman in the 16th century. 

I really enjoyed this book and want to continue with the Stuart series by Plaidy. I want to read the book about her sister Mary as well.

I might add that it is really hard to find good books on both Margaret and Mary because they are so overlooked being the siblings of Henry VIII. So if you want to get a good grasp on what was going on at court during the time of all the Henry drama these are a good "side" to add to more knowledge of the time. Plaidy does a great job of showing the relationship between the girls and their domineering brother who clearly adored them but had to also contend with his place as heir to England. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Queen's Favourite: A Novel of the Seymour Sisters by Raymond Wemmlinger

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, I'm featuring,The Queen's Favourite, by Raymond Wemmlinger. This is his third book. His others include one about John Wilkes Booth's niece and the other about Lady Margaret Clifford's life during Mary Tudor's reign. 

This book tells the story of the Seymour sisters, Jane and Catherine, during Queen Elizabeth's time. The book covers are gorgeous and the subjects somewhat lesser known people so I find that interesting. I hope you've found a book you can't wait for this week. Happy reading ya'll!!

Historical Fiction

February 28, 2025

Book Description courtesy of GoodReads:

Two sisters plot to change the fate of their family…

England, 1558

Sixteen-year-old Catherine Seymour has always idolised her elder sister Jane. As a child Jane had been groomed to be queen, to marry her cousin King Edward, and since his death she has been determined to restore her family’s claim to throne.

Jane had spent time at Queen Mary’s court but she has now returned home to Hanworth Park to the delight of Catherine and their brother Ned.

To their surprise, Jane brings with her Lady Catherine Grey, sister of Jane Grey, the ill-fated nine-day queen, and heiress to the throne after Princess Elizabeth.

Jane confides in Catherine that she aims to bring about a betrothal between Lady Grey and Ned, so that their brother and his children have a chance to lay claim to the throne.

But everything changes when Mary suddenly dies, and Elizabeth succeeds as queen. Now the sisters must seek favour with a new monarch.

Luckily, Elizabeth’s succession proves advantageous for the Seymour family. Jane is chosen as a lady in waiting and immediately becomes a favourite.

Can Jane still bring her plan to fruition? Will it mean betraying the new queen?

Or will rumours of a romance between Queen Elizabeth and one of her courtiers change everything for the Seymour sisters…?

THE QUEEN’S FAVOURITE is a biographical historical novel of the Seymour sisters, Lady Jane Seymour and Lady Catherine Seymour, set during the Tudor period at Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth’s court.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Royal Rebel by Elizabeth Chadwick (Jeanette of Kent Book 1)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Royal Rebel by Elizabeth Chadwick. This is book one of two that will tell the story of Jeanette of Kent, cousin to King Edward III.  I love that Chadwick takes lesser known women of the Medieval era and spotlights them in historical fiction. I also find that the 1300's seems to have less literature dedicated to it. It's a nice change from the Wars of the Roses and the Tudors. Hope you have found something you can't wait to read this week!

September 5, 2024

Historical Fiction/Medieval Fiction

Description courtesy of Amazon

1338: England has declared war on France, and Jeanette of Kent, cousin to King Edward III, says goodbye to her family and travels overseas with the royal court for the first time. Once in Antwerp, she is captivated by talented household knight Thomas Holland, just as he in turn is powerfully drawn to her.

Although both know their romance is forbidden, their love for each other grows stronger than the danger they face, and they marry in secret. But before they can make their tryst known, Thomas has to leave for war, and in his absence, Jeanette is forced into a second marriage and locked away from the world.

Then Thomas returns, and the real fight begins. As hostile family members battle to keep Jeanette and Thomas apart, the defiant lovers vow to be reunited - whatever the cost...

When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman (The Plantagenets Book One)

 

Publication Date:

February 6, 1996

Length:

750 pages

This is my second read for this wonderful book. I felt like the first time I read it so quickly and was much less informed about the period so when I recently finished the fourth book in the series, Lionheart, about Richard I, I decided to go back and read this one again. I hadn't reviewed it either and wanted to do that before tackling the last book, A King's Ransom. I'm so glad I did because it really helped me solidify the timeline of the Anarchy period in my mind. Also, these books are so dense you can't possibly remember everything so it always feels new.

Summary:

The story begins with the sinking of the White Ship and culminates in the ascension of King Henry II of England. Covering a span of roughly thirty years of turmoil and chaos Penman manages to make it look easy to get all the important facts in along with the emotions and feelings of the time. When Henry I loses his only son and heir in the shipwreck he is distraught and calls daughter Matilda home from the only home she has really known, Germany, as the former wife of the Holy Roman Emperor, who has died. Although Henry hopes that Matilda will take his place someday, the barons are not convinced and many side with Stephen of Blois, Matilda's cousin and the only other in line that can take on the role of King.

As far as the history is concerned, the book follows a solid timeline: Stephen becomes king, Matilda fights to regain her stolen crown, towns caught in the middle are destroyed, lives uprooted, and anarchy reigns. All the major battles, Lincoln, the Rout of Winchester, Oxford Castle, culminating in the Siege and Treaty of Wallingford solidifying Henry's triumph are amazingly told.  While Penman is exceptionally detailed and skillful in recounting all of this, it isn't the heart of the novel. I will leave the summary with this: the Anarchy was a time of horrible unrest where innocent lives were sacrificed again and again as two heirs are caught in their struggle to prove they are the rightful heirs to the throne. 

My Thoughts:

When historical fiction is done well you finish the book feeling as if you have lived through the time. You feel as if you know the characters inside and out as real people. This is how I always feel reading Penman's books. Having read others set in this time period I say there is no contest as to which author gets it right. Matilda's personality has suffered throughout history as being one of stubborn, haughty, and arrogant, only thinking of the title denied her. In this book she is still those things but with a much more human air. Her relationship with her brother Robert, Earl of Gloucester shows how much she relied on him and his judgement, both as a battlefield commander and as a trusted advisor. Her loyalty to her fellow nobleman, Brien fitz Count is touchingly portrayed and although a romantic involvement is hinted at, Penman never fully accepts the premise that it went any further than deep conversations and intense trust. 

One of my favorite parts of the novel is Matilda's escape from Oxford Castle in winter. I could feel the cold, the exhaustion, and desperation of the group as they attempt to evade Stephen's men who are completely unaware that such a feat is even in the realm of possibility. Penman recounts the harrowing night minute by minute and you feel as if you are with them.

Stephen is portrayed as the man caught between being too nice and too harsh. His inconsistency is shown throughout the story in a way that made me feel sorry for him while also being incredibly exasperated too. His interaction with his wife, also Matilda, and their son Eustace is realistic and heartbreaking as they come to the realization that Eustace is not the man they hoped he'd be. He is cruel and narcissistic and disappoints them. While Henry, Matilda's son is the perfect choice to succeed Stephen, this puts Stephen in yet another dilemma from which he is hard pressed to make difficult choices. Time and again his weakness for pleasing others comes to the surface but then he overreacts when he senses people are doubting him. I found myself identifying with this very human side in a way I didn't in other books about the period. It gave me great insight into how hard it must have been to rule effectively in a time when weakness is not tolerated and Kings must stay true to their threats or risk being undermined at every turn. 

Penman included a few fictional characters who show up in subsequent books. Ranulf, his wife Rhiannon and her family are distant relatives in Wales and Ranulf is Matilda's brother, one of Henry I's many illegitimate sons. While I enjoyed their story as a way to learn more about the Welsh, they were not a huge excitement factor for me. Ranulf's story seemed to serve as the romantic part that I guess she felt needed addding. He appears in many of the following books though so his storyline is not one to skip. 

I am currently finishing the last book in the Plantagenet story written by Penman. These are books that are sure to be classics. I do not doubt that I will read them again one day. If you start with this one you will not want to wait to buy the next in the series. I found myself peeking back into book two, Time and Chance, and having to force myself not to go down that rabbit hole! You will be hooked and find you are spoiled for her writing as you tackle other stories. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Passionate Tudor: A Novel of Queen Mary I by Alison Weir

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, I'm featuring The Passionate Tudor by Alison Weir. It is her latest fictional take on another famous queen. She always has wonderful research and excellent narrative for these historical fiction books so this one is sure to be good. I know so much about Queen Mary I already so it's not on the top of my TBR pile yet. But I wanted to share it because others might be interested. 

Hope you have found something you can't wait for this week!

May 28, 2024

Historical Fiction

Description courtesy of Amazon

The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series explores the dramatic and poignant life of King Henry VIII’s daughter—infamously known as Bloody Mary—who ruled England for five violent years.

Born from young King Henry’s first marriage, his elder daughter, Princess Mary, is raised to be queen once it becomes clear that her mother, Katherine of Aragon, will bear no more children. However, Henry’s passion for Anne Boleyn has a devastating influence on the young princess’s future when, determined to sire a male heir, he marries Anne, has his marriage to Katherine declared unlawful, brands Mary illegitimate, and banishes them both from the royal court. But when Anne too fails to produce a son, she is beheaded and Mary is allowed to return to court as the default heir. At age twenty, she waits in vain for her own marriage and children, but who will marry her, bastard that she is?

Yet Mary eventually triumphs and becomes queen, after first deposing a seventeen-year-old usurper, Lady Jane Grey, and ordering her beheading. Any hopes that Mary, as the first female queen regent of England, will show religious toleration are dashed when she embarks on a ruthless campaign to force Catholicism on the English by burning hundreds of Protestants at the stake. But while her brutality will forever earn her the name Bloody Mary, at heart she is an insecure and vulnerable woman, her character forged by the unhappiness of her early years.

In Alison Weir’s masterful novel, the drama of Mary I’s life and five-year reign—from her abusive childhood,marriage,andmysterious pregnancies to the cruelty that marks her legacy—comes to vivid life.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Abandoned Queen by Austin Hernon (Berengaria of Navarre Medieval Trilogy Book Two)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday, hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, I'm featuring The Abandoned Queen by Austin Hernon. I purchased book one and intend to read it this year. Books two and three are out in 2024 and this is the second in the trilogy. At first I saw it as a romance type book but then I read the sample of book one and it was actually a pretty good start as a historical fiction book. The author is an older gentleman who has written another series about William the Conqueror's son, Richard. 

I hope you have found something you can't wait for on this Wednesday!

February 2, 2024

Historical Fiction

Description courtesy of Amazon books

Berengaria follows her king into the deadly heart of the Crusade…

1191

Having married Richard the Lionheart, Berengaria of Navarre is now preparing herself for the turbulent life of a queen.

Though he has not yet secured an heir, Richard is determined not to settle down until he has recaptured Jerusalem from the Saracen forces. Vowing to stay by his side for as long as possible, Berengaria accompanies him on the perilous voyage to the Holy Land.

Caught up in battle plans, Richard has barely a moment to spare for his new bride. And after witnessing a sea battle and a deadly siege in Akko, Berengaria is left disturbed by the king’s ruthlessness.

Surrounded by misery and bloodshed, the young queen begins to understand the true cost of war. And as Richard becomes ever more consumed by his ambitions, she starts to wonder whether their marriage will ever have a chance to flourish…

Will Richard survive his brutal Crusade? Will he and Berengaria return to England in triumph?

Or will the horrors of war tear their marriage apart?

The Abandoned Queen is the second historical novel in The Berengaria of Navarre Medieval Trilogy: Early Plantagenet novels set during the Third Crusade and the reign of Richard the Lionheart.