When Mary Shelton's parents died, Queen Elizabeth decided to take her in. Since then, Mary has grown up in the Queen's court, beloved by the monarch and the court. Now that she is older, Elizabeth wants her to marry someone worthy of her, a high ranking earl like Edward de Vere or a foreign prince. Mary has no desire to rule or to rise in status, and when she falls for a minor, widowed knight, Sir John, all she wants is to marry him and live a life together. Elizabeth forbids it, but as much as Mary loves the woman who has been like a mother to her, she can't stop her heart from wanting to be with John.

Queen Elizabeth is an intriguing and complex monarch in history, and QUEEN ELIZABETH'S DAUGHTER by Anne Clinard Barnhill does a perfect job of taking a look at her life during her reign through the lens of her beloved Mary. Beyond the rich court setting, however, is the stunning take on how hard it is to go against someone who raised you. I love how deep the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary goes, from the motherly protectiveness Elizabeth shows to the disillusionment Mary feels when she realizes Elizabeth isn't perfect.

While their relationship is the primary focus, I adore the romance between John and Mary. Their initial bond over grief is so realistic and moving that it creates a solid base for their love. Mary has seen, and even experienced a little, the lies and seductions of court, but she finds her heart most comfortable in a place where the riches come in the form of John's children instead of gold or gowns. Their romance is slower paced, and it builds wonderfully into a strong and passionate love.

Overall, QUEEN ELIZABETH'S DAUGHTER is a wonderful historical fiction novel perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and the intricacy of Queen Elizabeth. Anne Clinard Barnhill has captured the very essence of court life and the complexity of following your heart when your loyalty goes to more than one person.