Mette, attendant to Queen Catherine, watches as her grown
charge navigates the court and attempts to produce an heir
to the throne. Once successful, Catherine believes she
cannot be touched, but Mette suspects foul play amidst
their
party. Once King Henry dies, Catherine is nearly forced to
leave, and her and Mette must find safety in a land that
is
not their home while battling sinister forces that would
deny them everything.
THE TUDOR BRIDE by Joanna Hickson spans decades covering
the
life of Mette, and through her, Queen Catherine. Though
this
is a sequel, I found it possible to read on its own. This
is
quite a long novel, but it is astounding just how much is
packed within these pages. Readers see Queen Catherine go
from the height of her political power to the rises and
falls of her life away from court. The first few chapters
of
the story make Mette seem rather passive as a narrator,
but
her character grows and deepens as she finds her own path
to
happiness and success. Though the two aren't related,
their
relationship has all the heart of a mother-daughter one,
and
Mette is not shy about inducing a few tears on the
readers'
behalf with her concern and love for Catherine.
As someone who loves historical fiction, particularly that
of the Tudor and surrounding eras, the atmosphere in this
novel is excellent. Sometimes, I've found myself reading a
story where the politics are so melodramatic that it seems
impossible anyone could blink without the risk of being
executed. Hickson does a brilliant job of presenting a
world
where secrets, lies, corruption, and deceit do absolutely
exist, but also showing the day-to-day activities that
give
a strong realistic ground. Matching this, the characters
are
complex and dynamic with motives that are clearly devised
and intriguing, showcasing themselves as neither wholly
evil
nor wholly good.
This story shows the lives of two great women and their
journeys in life. THE TUDOR BRIDE sings with emotion,
history, and power, perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory.
The thrilling story of the French princess who became an English queen from the author of critically acclaimed Agincourt Bride. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory.
Even the greatest of queens have rules – to break them would cost her dearly…
King Henry V’s new French Queen, Catherine, dazzles the crowds in England but life at court is full of intrigue and her loyal companion, Mette, suspects that the beautiful Eleanor Cobham, protégée of the Duke of Gloucester, is spying for him.
Catherine believes herself invincible as she gives birth to an heir, then tragically King Henry is struck down by fever. Unable to outwit those who seek to remove the new king from her care, Catherine retires from court, comforted by the King’s Harper, Owen Tudor.
At the secluded manor of Hadham a smouldering ember bursts into flame and Catherine and Owen Tudor become lovers. But their love cannot remain a secret forever, and when a grab for power is made by Gloucester, Catherine – and those dearest to her – face mortal danger…
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