Kate Emerson, Author of "Secrets of the Tudor Court: By Royal Decree", Guest Post and Giveaway!

I am delighted to have the very talented Kate Emerson join us today on Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog! Her latest novel, Secrets of the Tudor Court: By Royal Decree, is the third installment in her Secrets of the Tudor Court series.

And now, without further ado, I hand it over to Kate.

Merry Christmas from Henry VIII’s England

As Kate Emerson I write the “Secrets of the Tudor Court” series set in Henry VIII’s England and although the most recent entry, BY ROYAL DECREE, doesn’t have any particular connection to the Yuletide season, I’ve done a fair amount of research into how the holidays were celebrated. I knew that Christmas trees were a Victorian invention, but the one thing that did surprise me was that mistletoe wasn’t yet in use either. So much for using a kissing ball to get my characters together!

Even without those two traditional parts of Christmas, sixteenth-century England still had plenty of Yuletide customs. Revelers would get the season off to a good start by going into the woods to find a Yule log, which they’d drag home, singing about the holly and the ivy. The holly was used to decorate the interior of the house; the ivy adorned the outside of the door. The Yule log itself was set ablaze with a fragment of the previous year’s log, saved just for that purpose.

At about the same time, in many communities, the parish hogglers came calling to solicit contributions for the local church. This tradition is probably a variant on wassailing, where groups singing carols were invited in to sip a special Christmas punch called wassail.

The Great Hall of a typical Tudor manor house would be decorated with boughs of holly—and yew, bay, rosemary, and box, too. In another room, flowers might be twined around and through the spinning wheel in the corner—it would not be used again until Plough Monday, the first Monday after Twelfth Night. During Yuletide, all but the most necessary work—cooking and caring for animals—was forbidden.

On Christmas Day, there was feasting, with a Lord of Misrule to act as master of ceremonies in the largest houses. Even lesser gentry celebrated with minced pies made with dried fruits and spices and mutton (in remembrance of the shepherds). Each pie contained thirteen different ingredients, one each to represent Christ and his apostles. There was brawn, too, with mustard. And bread and cheese and fruit and nuts and spiced ale that had roast apples floating in it. But the much-anticipated centerpiece in many households was carried in on a huge platter. It held a large pastry case surrounded by jointed hare, small game birds, and wild fowl. Inside the pastry was a turkey that had been stuffed with a goose that had been stuffed with a chicken that had been stuffed with a partridge that had been stuffed with a pigeon.

New Year's Day, not Christmas, was the traditional time for the exchange of gifts, and in some rural communities it was also the day on which everyone went out into the orchard to wassail the trees. I think this is my favorite tradition, and it is still carried on in some areas of England today. To ensure a good crop for the next year's cider, villagers turn out to wish the trees good health and abundant crops. The celebration begins shortly after sundown, in front of the oldest tree in the orchard. A crust of bread is fished out of the bottom of a large wooden wassail bowl and placed it in the crook of the tree. Then loud noises fill the air—drums and horns and people banging on pans with ladles. Someone pours mulled cider around the base of the tree as the crowd begins to sing: "Old apple tree we wassail thee, hoping thou will bear."

I wassail thee, dear reader. Happy Yuletide.

     Kate Emerson (aka Kathy Lynn Emerson and Kaitlyn Dunnett)


Thank you Kate for stopping by and sharing with us this delightful post! A very happy Yultide to you as well!

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And now for some exciting news! Kate had been gracious in offering a signed copy of Secrets of the Tudor Court: By Royal Decree to one lucky winner!

Publish Date: December 2010

Format: Paperback 353pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher):

"AS TEMPESTUOUS AS THE TUDOR MONARCHS THEMSELVES, THE SECRETS OF THE TUDOR COURT SERIES HAS BEEN CALLED “RIVETING” (BOOKLIST) AND “WELL DRAWN” (PUBLISHERS WEEKLY).

Charming. Desirable. Forbidden. Brought to court with other eligible young noblewomen by the decree of King Henry VIII, lovely Elizabeth “Bess” Brooke realizes for the first time that beauty can be hazardous. Although Bess has no desire to wed the aging king, she and her family would have little choice if Henry’s eye were to fall on her. And other dangers exist as well, for Bess has caught the interest of dashing courtier Will Parr. Bess finds Will’s kisses as sweet as honey, but marriage between them may be impossible. Will is a divorced man, and remarriage is still prohibited. Bess and Will must hope that the king can be persuaded to issue a royal decree allowing Will to marry again . . . but to achieve their goal, the lovers will need royal favor. Amid the swirling alliances of royalty and nobles, Bess and Will perform a dangerous dance of palace intrigue and pulse-pounding passions.

Brought to glowing life by the talented Kate Emerson, and seen through the eyes of a beautiful young noblewoman, By Royal Decree illuminates the lives of beautiful young courtiers in and out of the rich and compelling drama of the Tudor court."

Giveaway Guidelines:

~10 possible entries~

+1 entry for posting a comment and leaving your e-mail. (no e-mail = no entry) 

+5 entries for becoming a Follower, or already being a Follower. (if possible, please follow through "google friend connect" so I can verify) 

+ 3 entries for posting about this giveaway on your blog or adding a link for it on your sidebar. (please post link with your comment) 

+ 1 entry for tweeting about this giveaway. (please post link with your comment) 

~Please post all your entries in one comment, thanks :)
~This will be an international drawing!

~Giveaway ends January 7th

Book Review: His Last Letter by Jeane Westin

Publish: August 2010

Format: Paperback 400pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"One of the greatest loves of all time-between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley-comes to life in this vivid novel.

They were playmates as children, impetuous lovers as adults-and for thirty years were the center of each others' lives. Astute to the dangers of choosing any one man, the Virgin Queen could never give her "Sweet Robin" what he wanted most-marriage- yet she insisted he stay close by her side. Possessive and jealous, their love survived quarrels, his two disastrous marriages to other women, her constant flirtations, and political machinations with foreign princes.

His Last Letter tells the story of this great love... and especially of the last three years Elizabeth and Dudley spent together, the most dangerous of her rule, when their passion was tempered by a bittersweet recognition of all that they shared-and all that would remain unfulfilled."

 My Review:

Having just defeated the Spanish Armada, Elizabeth I's spirits could not be higher; that is until she receives word that her long time love, Robert Dudley, has perished. All of her joy and laughter quickly vanishes and she is thrown into deep despair. As she is drawn into her private chambers by loyal subjects, we are taken on a journey through the final years of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley's erratic and passionate relationship. 

Jeane Westin has brought Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley to life in this touching and absorbing novel. Focusing mainly on the relationship between these two characters, we see the events of that time period unfold through their eyes. Elizabeth I is not merely portrayed as a strong and fearless queen, but also as a woman, one who has desires and fears just as any other. 

The book moved at a fast pace and there was never a dull moment. Towards the end I found myself trying to read a bit slower because I did not want their story to end! My only issue with this novel was the switching between past and present. Although it was done in a very fluid manner, I often found that if I put the book down and picked it back up the next day, I would be a bit confused if I was in the past or present. These instances were quickly resolved and quickly forgotten.  

Overall this was an excellent read and one that will have you closing the book completely satisfied. Having not read much on Elizabeth I, I can definitely say that this novel has piqued my interest and I will definitely be reading more about this great monarch.

Book Review: Elizabeth, Captive Princess by Margaret Irwin

Publish Date: October 2010

Format: Paperback 352pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"In July 1553, sibling rivalry looms perilous, even life-threatening, between the daughters of King Henry VIII. Their brother King Edward is dead, his successor Lady Jane Grey has been beheaded, and Queen Mary Tudor has just won possession of the throne. But her younger half sister—the beautiful and vivacious Princess Elizabeth—holds the hearts of the people. Despite Mary’s health fading fast and her power beginning to crumble, she won’t give up the throne, determined to rule to the absolute end as her father did before her. In these treacherous times, when all about her there is secrecy and deception, Elizabeth must rely on her faith and courage if she is to survive her ordeal and rise to fulfill her destiny. With grace and elegance, Margaret Irwin continues the story begun in Young Bess, giving readers an intimate peek into the world of that most enigmatic of Britain’s monarchs."

My Review:

Elizabeth I is widely known as the greatest monarch England has ever had, but though her reign was that of a golden age, her rise to power was not with out turmoil. In Elizabeth, Captive Princess we follow the story of Mary Tudor's early years as sovereign; beginning with Lady Jane Grey's short and fateful reign and continuing until the arrival of Prince Phillip of Spain. Told from the joint perspective of Elizabeth and Mary, a battle of wits and cunning tactics ensues, capturing the readers attention with political intrigue page after page.

Having not read the first book in this trilogy, (Young Bess) I was curious how well I would pick up the plot line for this novel... I am happy to say I had no trouble at all. Elizabeth, Captive Princess grabbed my attention from the start. The conflict between Elizabeth and Mary was so vivid, almost as if you were in the same room watching their story unfurl. While the moments of intense drama between these two sisters was superb, I found the times when the focus switched to the leaders of rebellions to be lacking. Of course it was necessary to include the plotting of such rebellions, but it seemed to be missing suspense and I found myself wanting to hurry through those chapters. The last quarter of this book set the stage perfectly for the next and final installment of the trilogy, Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain. Overall this was a good read, and while it did not have a wow factor, it definitely held its own in a most captivating way.


FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions.

Book Review: The Dark Rose by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

Publish Date: July 2010

Format: Paperback 592 pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"The second book in the epic bestselling Morland Dynasty series which spans from the Wars of the Roses to Queen Victoria's long reign into the courts of kings and the salons of the Regency, onto the battlefields of Culloden and the Crimea, and beyond.

In The Dark Rose, the turbulence of Henry VIII's reign brings passion and pain to the Morlands as they achieve ever greater wealth and prestige. Paul, great-grandson of Eleanor Morland, has inherited the Morland estates, and his own Amyas is set to be his heir. But Paul fathers a beloved illigitimate son, and bitter jealousy causes a destructive rift between the two half-brothers which will lead to death. Through birth and death, love and hatred, triumph and heartbreak, the Morlands continue proudly to claim their place amongst England's aristocracy."

My Review: 

From the beginning of The Dark Rose, it is quite clear that intense jealousy and hatred runs deep within the Morland family, and through the generations, revenge has played a significant roll in the molding of this dynamic dynasty. Following closely the lives of Paul and Nanette Morland, we are given a close retelling of the turmoil during Henry VIII's reign, both within the court and at the Morland estate. 

Having bypassed the first novel in this series, I was curious at to whether or not I would be missing some important background information about the Morlands. Thankfully, after reading the first few chapters, I found myself quite at ease with the family history and could feel the plights of the current generation with great understanding.

This novel was a bit up and down with its intensity. Most of the book was a steady flow of events that did not seem to have much purpose, but there were a few moments of great drama and shock which kept the book interesting. Knowing Tudor history quite well, I was surprised that Nanette's life at court seemed to be rather dull. If the chaotic times of King Henry VIII's reign would have been used a bit more, I think it would have helped make the novel move at a faster pace and increased the plots intrigue.

Overall, this lengthy book captured my attention just enough to entice me to pursue the series further. I would suggest this book to someone who may not know a lot about Tudor England and want's a preview of the turbulent reign of King Henry VIII.

FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always, these are my own honest opinions.

Book Review: Secrets of the Tudor Court, Between Two Queens by Kate Emerson

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

THE SECRETS OF THE TUDOR COURT SERIES IS

"RICH AND LUSHLY DETAILED, TEEMING WITH PASSION

AND INTRIGUE," SAID ROMANTIC TIMES. NOW TALENTED

KATE EMERSON CONTINUES A SAGA AS DRAMATIC

AND SEDUCTIVE AS THE COURT ITSELF. 

"Pretty, flirtatious, and ambitious. Nan Bassett hopes that an appointment at the court of King Henry VIII will bring her a grand marriage. But soon after she becomes a maid of honor to Queen Jane, the queen dies in childbirth. As the court plunges into mourning, Nan sets her sights on the greatest match in the land...for the king has noticed her. After all, it wouldn't be the first time King Henry has chosen to wed a maid of honor. And in newly Protestant England, where plots to restore the old religion abound, Nan may be the only one who can reassure a suspicious king of her family's loyalty. But the favor of a king can be dangerous and chancy, not just for Nan, but for her family as well...and passionate Nan is guarding a secret, one that could put her future — and her life — in grave jeopardy should anyone discover the truth.

Based on the life of the real Anne Bassett and her family, and drawing extensively from letters and diaries of the time, Between Two Queens is an enthralling picture of the dangers and delights of England's most passionate era."

My Review:

Nan Bassett is a woman who knows what she wants. Full of high ambitions and unwavering determination, Nan is sent to court in hopes of securing a position as a maid of honor to the new Queen Jane. To Nan's great surprise she not only obtains the desired placement within Queen Jane's house but also attracts the attention of King Henry VIII. Before Nan can put any plan that might increase her own importance at court into action, Queen Jane tragically dies in childbirth and her household is dispersed. Time passes slowly for Cat and she soon begins to find other means of entertainment, in particular a dallying and secret romance with Ned Corbett. Unfortunately, Ned is a man with no title or wealth, so when the King requests Nan to return to court, her ambition to raise her status prevails over a peaceful and quiet life in the country.

Nan quickly focuses on how to win the love of King Henry VIII; after all he is in need of a new wife and he has chosen a woman of lower rank before, so why not her? As Nan embarks on her new goal she soon finds that she is not the only one with secrets and high ambitions and she soon she finds herself at the mercy of those powerful enough to destroy herself and everyone she loves....

The passing years only bring more danger and uncertainty for Nan but through all the tragedy that befalls her, an new chance for love and happiness emerges. At the same time, the King grows more volatile and begins to set his sights on Nan for his sixth wife. Will Nan chose love over the ultimate goal she had been striving for and if so, is she cunning enough to escape the King's fatal grasp?...


It is always refreshing to read a book set during the Tudor court without it being directly about one of King Henry VIII's Queens. Secrets of the Tudor Court, Between Two Queens focused more on the time in between the queens of England, hence the title. The author did a great job of portraying the vast personality differences with each queen. Nan was a very unlikable and most of her suffering she brought on herself, but I was still able to sympathize with her sometimes because at least she did not try to blame her problems on someone else. It is a very hard thing to be able to write a unlikable character but still make them likable; Kate Emerson did a wonderful job of this. The only issue I had was how many times the plot branched off with other characters. In the beginning, it left the reader wondering "ok what does that have to do with anything?" but towards the end all the pieces started to come together and it all made sense. Overall I found this book to be quite enjoyable and will be looking forward to Kate's next novel.


A Little Extra:
In this book there were many characters and it was great to be able to read a mini-biography about them in the back of the book. Kate Emerson has even more mini-biographies of those who lived at the Tudor Court on her website at: kateemersonhistoricals.com.


If you have an ebook reader you are even more in luck! Kate has just announced that she has released A Who's Who of Tudor Women that holds 622 entries of mini-biographies and it is now available in ebook format! A Who's Who of Tudor Women is the most recent and accurate version of Kate's mini-biographies. This wonderful ebook is available exclusively from awriterswork.com.

Book Review: The Queen's Governess by Karen Harper

 

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

A fresh and intriguing historical novel told in the voice of Queen Elizabeth I's governess. Katherine Ashley, the daughter of a poor country squire, happily secures an education and a place for herself in a noble household. But when Thomas Cromwell, a henchman for King Henry VIII, brings her to the royal court as a spy, Kat enters into a thrilling new world of the Tudor monarchs. Freed from a life of espionage by Cromwell's downfall, Kat eventually befriends Anne Boleyn. As a dying favor to the doomed queen, Kat becomes governess and surrogate-mother to the young Elizabeth Tudor. Together they suffer bitter exile, assassination attempts, and imprisonment, barely escaping with their lives. But they do, and when Elizabeth is crowned, Kat continues to serve her, faithfully guarding all the queen's secrets (including Elizabeth's affair with the dashing Robert Dudley) . . . and ultimately emerging as the lifelong confidante and true mother-figure to Queen Elizabeth. 

My Review:

Kat Ashley is a woman who is very familiar with loss and hardship. As a little girl she lost her mother to a terrible accident and was soon forced to work as a servant to her stepmother, whom she suspected had a hand in her mothers demise. After many years of dreary living, she met by chance Thomas Cromwell, who saw in her a potential for serving him as a spy. Kat knew that Cromwell was her only chance to escape her miserable existence in the country and she eagerly accepted his terms. Little did she know what a peaceful and safe life she was leaving behind....

Kat's arrival in London was everything she could have hoped for. Sent to be a lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn, she was instructed to be a messenger between Anne and Cromwell. She found this task to be simple enough and spent much of her free time dreaming of the dashing Thomas Seymour, whom she met on her journey to court. Unfortunately, her dreams of Thomas were destroyed by an ill event that occurred the night of Anne's coronation banquet. After that horrible night, Kat's happy world at court began to crumble rapidly. She began to disagree with the power hungry Cromwell and tried to rebel, only to find that she was completely at Cromwell's mercy. Kat being surrounded by chaos at court soon finds herself to be the governess of the Princess Elizabeth. She is well aware and prepared for the tough journey that lies before them. Even through the threat of prison, torture, exile and the hope of new love, Kat's bond with Elizabeth never weakens and she keeps her vow to protect her at any cost...

This novel is extremely detailed, well researched and historically accurate. At times the extensive detail began to read like a history book, but those moments were brief and soon forgotten when the compelling story of Kat Ashley picked up. The description of scenery was splendid; I could see the castles and almost smell the dust in the secret passageways. Many of the characters were three dimensional and the plot was well thought out. My main complaint with this book is how every once in a while it would switch between the past and future within the same paragraph. This was mostly found in the first half of the book when we were being told of how Kat came to be Elizabeth's governess.While this led to some mild confusion, it in no way made the book unreadable or unlikable. This book would be perfect for someone wanting to learn more about Elizabeth I by means of an enjoyable reading experience.

Book Review: The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"One of history's most enigmatic women tells the haunting, passionate story of her tumultuous life. Juana of Castile is just thirteen when she witnesses the fall of Moorish Granada and uniting of the fractured kingdoms of Spain under her warrior parents, Isabel and Fernando. Intelligent and beautiful, proud of her heritage, Juana rebels against her fate when she is chosen as a bride for the Hapsburg heir - until she arrives in Flanders and comes face-to-face with the prince known as Philip the Fair, a man who will bring her the greatest of passions, and the darkest despair. One by one, tragedy decimates Juana's family in Spain. Suddenly, she finds herself heiress to Castile - a realm on the verge of chaos, prey to avaracious nobles and scheming lords bent on thwarting her rule. Juana vows to win her throne, until the betrayal of those she loves plunges her into a ruthless battle of wills - a struggle of corruption, perfidy, and heart-shattering deceit that could cost her the crown, her freedom, and her very life. From the somber majesty of Renaissance Spain to the glittering courts of Flanders, France and Tudor England, Juana of Castile reveals her life and secrets in this captivating historical novel of romance, grandeur, power and treachery by the acclaimed author of "The Secret Lion.""

My Review:

Juana of Castile, daughter to the revered King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, wife of Phillip heir to the Habsburg Empire, and a mother of six. She was used as a pawn to further greedy ambitions, then viewed as a threat to those ambitions. Her enemies warped her image, leaving history to remember her as Juana la Loca...but what would she want history to remember her as?

Juana is only thirteen in the beginning of this story. Through her we witness the fall of Granada and what it is like to be the daughter of the strong Queen Isabella. Her stubborn and determined character is quickly apparent, and we see that this is no ordinary princess. Juana defiantly refuses her mothers demand to wed her to a foreign betrothed until her indulging father gives her a choice in the mater. She can either forgo the betrothal and marry a Spaniard or she can help protect Spain by honoring the betrothal. The choice is clear to Juana, she would do anything for Spain...

At sixteen Juana is sure her future is doomed to be bleak as she sails to Flanders and the court of her soon to be husband, Phillip heir to the Habsburg Empire. What she finds in Philip is more then she could ever have hoped for. A love forms that is so strong, Juana feels nothing could tear them apart. They are blessed with children and Juana is more content then she ever thought possible, until tragedy strikes...

Juana soon learns no one is to be trusted. Greed and ambition is in the heart of everyone around her and sinister plots become abundant. Even as Juana's world is crumbling around her, she never looses her strength or desire to help Spain. She is now the chosen heir of Castile, and she will never stop fighting to claim what is hers and save Spain from its enemies....


This was am excellent book! It grabbed me right from the beginning and never let me go. While reading the book, it is obvious how much time and effort was put into it. It did not matter that I have not read many books set in Spain, because the authors vivid detail took me there in person. The characters were extremely three dimensional; they were so real I found myself wanting to jump in and tell some of them a thing or two. The last page of the book was a perfect and beautiful close to Juana's story...I read it twice! I absolutely loved this novel; its a lovely and heartfelt story of a woman whom history should know more about.

Book Review: The Queen's Mistake: In the Court of Henry VIII by Diane Haeger

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)
From the author of The Secret Bride, the tragic tale of the fifth wife of Henry VIII...

When the young and beautiful Catherine Howard becomes the fifth wife of the fifty-year-old King Henry VIII, she seems to be on top of the world. Yet her reign is destined to be brief and heartbreaking, as she is forced to do battle with enemies far more powerful and calculating than she could have ever anticipated in a court where one wrong move could mean her undoing. Wanting only love, Catherine is compelled to deny her heart's desire in favor of her family's ambition. But in so doing, she unwittingly gives those who sought to bring her down a most effective weapon-her own romantic past.

The Queen's Mistake is the tragic tale of one passionate and idealistic woman who struggles to negotiate the intrigue of the court and the yearnings of her heart.

My Review:

Catherine Howard, an impoverished child who grew up to be the doomed fifth wife of King Henry VIII.

We first meet Catherine at her family home, Horsham. She is wild, flirtatious and enjoys toying with mens affections. Henry Manox and Francis Dereham are the two men she is intimately involved with. It quickly becomes apparent that she has no emotions for them and that boredom is the only reason she has impure relationships with them. Her guardian/grandmother knows all the unclean things Catherine is involved in and believes that it is a good education for her future life at court. The Duke of Norfolk (her uncle) soon visits Horsham and decides it's time for Catherine to come to court and be a lady in waiting to the Queen.

When Catherine arrives at court she is overwhelmed. All of the Queens ladies ignore her and she is constantly compared to her late cousin and former Queen...Anne Boleyn. The only two who show any kindness is the current Queen and Lady Jane Rochford. In her first few weeks at court she continues to act as she did at Horsham and ends up having a quick affair with the first charming man she meets. A few days after that incident she becomes attracted to Thomas Culpeper and they begin a passionate love affair.

Unfortunately, Catherine soon discovers her uncles true meaning for bringing her to court. King Henry VIII will soon be free of his current wife/queen and Catherine is to be her replacement. King Henry is quickly besotted with Catherine and lavishes her with the most extravagant things. Catherine plays her part well and feigns innocence with the King, while at the same time continuing her love affair with Thomas.

Threats from her past, at Horsham, come to her in full force at court. There is no one she can truly trust and everyone has some selfish use for her. She tries to think a way to escape and live a happy life with Thomas, but she soon realizes where her inevitable and unwelcome destiny lies.

Catherine is now Queen and her physical love affair with Thomas ends, but she can not help what her heart still feels. She shows King Henry VIII all of the love and respect possible and ends up truly caring for him. Catherine believes herself to be safe from all of her past threats and soon, with the help of Lady Rochford, secretly meets Thomas. She remains faithful to the King but those who are still a threat to her view it as an opportunity to seal her fate. King Henry VIII soon learns of Catherine's transgressions and joins her fate with that of her cousin Anne Boleyn...


When I first decided to read this book, I was excited at the prospect of learning more about Catherine Howard, a queen I knew little about. Unfortunately after reading it I still feel as though she is a distant character. Catherine was very unlikable in this novel; it was impossible to see anything deeper then her childish and one dimensional character. Since everyone was so one dimensional, it unfortunately resulted in not really caring what happened to them. The characters might not have been in depth but the scenery was. The author's descriptions of clothing, banquets, gardens, etc. were absolutely wonderful. I was able to read the book quickly and never felt tired of it but at the same time I did not have a strong desire to find out what happened next. I do have to say the ending was really emotional, touching, and beautifully written. If only the rest of the book had been written in that manner, it would have been an excellent read.


A little extra:
After reading this book I can definitely say that my interest in Catherine Howard has been piqued. Below is the actual letter from Catherine to her lover Thomas while she was Queen.

~The surviving letter from Queen Catherine Howard to Master Thomas Culpeper~

"Master Culpeper,
I heartily recommend me unto you, praying you to send me word how that you do. It was showed me that you was sick, the which thing troubled me very much till such time that I hear from you praying you to send me word how that you do, for I never longed so much for a thing as I do to see you and to speak with you, the which I trust shall be shortly now. That which doth comfortly me very much when I think of it, and when I think again that you shall depart from me again it makes my heart die to think what fortune I have that I cannot be always in your company. It my trust is always in you that you will be as you have promised me, and in that hope I trust upon still, praying you that you will come when my Lady Rochford is here for then I shall be best at leisure to be at your commandment, thanking you for that you have promised me to be so good unto that poor fellow my man which is one of the griefs that I do feel to depart from him for then I do know no one that I dare trust to send to you, and therefore I pray you take him to be with you that I may sometime hear from you one thing. I pray you to give me a horse for my man for I had much ado to get one and therefore I pray send me one by him and in so doing I am as I said afor, and thus I take my leave of you, trusting to see you shortly again and I would you was with me now that you might see what pain I take in writing to you.
Yours as long as life endures,
Katheryn.
One thing I had forgotten and that is to instruct my man to tarry here with me still for he says whatsomever you bid him he will do it."