Book Reviews

Book Review: Uncrowned Queen by Nicola Tallis

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Margaret Beaufort is quite possibly the most misrepresented characters of the Tudor era, but thanks to Dr. Nicola Tallis' meticulous research we are exposed to a Margaret Beaufort that many of us have never seen before. Book Synopsis: In 1485, Henry VII became the first Tudor king of England. His victory owed much to his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort. Over decades and across countries, Margaret had schemed to install her son on the throne and end the War of the Roses. [More]

Book Review: The Devil’s Slave by Tracy Borman

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After finishing The King's Witch, Book One in the Frances Gorges trilogy, I immediately purchased Book Two: The Devil's Slave. The Devil's Slave is a continuation of Frances' story and the plots she became embroiled in to return England to Catholicism under the reign of King James I. As a Historian and joint Chief Curator of the Historic Royal Palaces, Tracy Borman has the perfect background to write such a book. Her knowledge easily translates with scenes that are [More]

Book Review: “Anna, Duchess of Cleves” by Heather R. Darsie

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As of the last few years, Anne of Cleves is arguably the most popular of Henry VIII's wives. I know, I know...Anne Boleyn fans hate me for writing that. Even though Anne Boleyn will most likely forever be the most tragic and loved wife of Henry VIII, Anne of Cleves is giving her a run for her money in the 21st century. Anne of Cleves was the fourth bride of Henry VIII, and his second foreign bride after Katherine of Aragon. Anne was the wife who followed Jane Seymour. But [More]

Book Review: “Henry VIII – and the Men Who Made Him” by Tracy Borman

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I purchased this book with a bit of hesitation because my library is full of book on the most infamous Tudor king. I wondered if Borman would be able to open my mind to any new information, or if I would be disappointed in the regurgitated information that I have read over the years. Here is a bit about the book in case you are not familiar: Henry VIII is best known in history for his tempestuous marriages and the fates of his six wives. However, as acclaimed historian [More]

Book Review: Margaret Tudor – The Life of Henry VIII’s Sister

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Margaret Tudor was an English Princess and daughter of the first Tudor monarch, King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York; Margaret was the sister of King Henry VIII and married King James IV of Scotland - did I mention she was also mother of King James V? I was approached by Pens & Sword History to write a review on the book Margaret Tudor: The Life of Henry VIII's Sister by author and historian Melanie Clegg, and happily accepted the opportunity to learn more about one [More]

Guest Book Review: “The Survival of the Princes in the Tower: Murder, Mystery and Myth” by Matthew Lewis

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Guest review by Heidi Malagisi One of the greatest mysteries of all time is what happened to the young princes, the sons of Edward IV, who were held in the Tower of London. Many people believed that they were killed. There are some who believe that Richard III had them murdered and there are some who say that Henry VII ordered the deed to be done. But what if they were never killed? What if they survived? That is the premise of Matthew Lewis’s book “The Survival of t [More]

Book Review: “Forsaking All Other” by Catherine Meyrick

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I love reading fiction. Especially fiction books within the Tudor era I was honored to receive a review copy of this book from the author and I'm so happy to tell you about it. I finished this book well over a month ago and finally got around to finishing a review for it. I wanted to make sure it received a proper review and not one that was rushed. About the Author Catherine Meyrick is a writer of historical fiction with a particular love of Elizabethan England. Her [More]

Guest Book Review: “The Life of Elizabeth I” by Alison Weir

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  Guest review by Heidi Malagisi Elizabeth I was perhaps the most influential monarch in English history. There are episodes in her life that became legendary. From her tumultuous childhood to her reign where everyone either wanted her to marry or put someone else on the throne, Elizabeth’s life was hardly easy. Even though much is known about her public life as queen, we really do not know a lot about her private life. In Alison Weir’s book, “The Life [More]

Book Review: Lady Katherine Knollys by Sarah-Beth Watkins

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I need to start of by thanking Chronos Books for sending me "Lady Katherine Knollys" to review. I have never read anything by Sarah-Beth Watkins and the topics of her books interested me. Book Description from Amazon: Katherine Knollys was Mary Boleyn's first child, born in 1524 when Mary was having an affair with King Henry VIII. Katherine spent her life unacknowledged as the king's daughter, yet she was given prime appointments at court as maid of honour to both Anne of [More]

Book Review: Prince of York – A Story of Reginald Pole by Samantha Wilcoxson

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Reginald Pole may have come from the royal blood of the House of York but that wouldn't save him from the wrath of his cousin, King Henry VIII. I have known Samantha Wilcoxson for a couple of years now and I was very excited when she offered me an ARC (advance review copy) of her new book, "Prince of York". All of her novels and novellas are fantastic and her writing style seems almost effortless. Once you begin reading it's hard to put one of her books down. This would [More]