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.