Book Review: The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

Publish Date: January 2010

Format: Paperback pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"A man other than my husband sits on England's throne today.

What would happen if this king suddenly went mad? What would his queen do? Would she make the same mistakes I did, or would she learn from mine?

Margaret of Anjou, queen of England, cannot give up on her husband-even when he slips into insanity. And as mother to the House of Lancaster's last hope, she cannot give up on her son-even when England turns against them. This gripping tale of a queen forced to stand strong in the face of overwhelming odds is at its heart a tender tale of love.

Award-winning author Susan Higginbotham will once again ask readers to question everything they know about right and wrong, compassion and hope, duty to one's country and the desire of one's own heart."


My Review:

When it comes to the Wars of the Roses, there are always a couple questions that come to mind: are you of a Yorkist or a Lancasterian opinion? Did Richard III kill the princes in the tower? Was Richard III a corrupt and merciless man? These questions are often the focus of many historical novels set during this time period, and it is not very often that a book is written with an emphasis of how it all began. The Queen of Last Hopes begins with Margaret of Anjou preparing to leave for England, where she will become the Queen of King Henry VI. Margaret is just 15 when she sets sail for England, and she is full of hope and determination to bring peace to the English and French people. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that the her striving to enter the political world, no matter how good her intentions might be, only leads to bitterness from the English people and slander against her name. Despite these unsavory results, Margaret is no less determined in defending her crown when the House of York tries to dethrone her husband and take away her sons birthright.

Being of a Yorkist opinion myself, I was quite surprised by how well Hgginbotham made me soften to the Lancasterian cause. Told from a first person perspective, Margaret becomes more than just a strong willed and "she-wolf" character, instead she becomes a woman desperate for peace, deeply in love, and above all, a protective mother. It was this method of writing that really made me feel a strong connection to those who fought for the House of Lancaster. Higginbotham also did a wonderful job of creating a lovable character out of King Henry VI. Of course Henry was still a weak king and on the verge of madness, but he was also a loving husband and a man who knew he didn't live up to his predecessors reign, which resulted in my heart going out to his plight and creating a better opinion of the Lancasters.

The Queen of Last Hopes is written in great historical detail, and delivers an exceptional telling of one of the most controversial time periods in history. With subtle wit, heart wrenching events and life-like characters, you will finish the novel only wanting more of this talented author.

Book Review: The Botticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"In this exhilarating cross between The Da Vinci Code and The Birth of Venus, an irrepressible young woman in 15th-century Italy must flee for her life after stumbling upon a deadly secret when she serves as a model for Botticelli...

When part-time model and full-time prostitute Luciana Vetra is asked by one of her most exalted clients to pose for a painter friend, she doesn't mind serving as the model for the central figure of Flora in Sandro Botticelli's masterpiece "Primavera." But when the artist dismisses her without payment, Luciana impulsively steals an unfinished version of the painting--only to find that somone is ready to kill her to get it back.

What could possibly be so valuable about the picture? As friends and clients are slaughtered around her, Luciana turns to the one man who has never desired her beauty, novice librarian Brother Guido. Fleeing Venice together, Luciana and Guido race through the nine cities of Renaissance Italy, pursued by ruthless foes who are determined to keep them from decoding the painting's secrets.

Gloriously fresh and vivid, with a deliciously irreverent heroine, The Botticelli Secret is an irresistible blend of history, wit, and suspense."

My Review:

Luciana Vetra is a girl who lives day by day. Abandoned at a young age, she succumbs to life on the streets and the occupation of prostitute. When given the opportunity to model for one of the famous painters of the city, Luciana is thrilled at the idea of her beauty being admired by all and the prospect of a chance for something greater in life...

Unfortunately, the painting session is not as lucrative as Luciana imagined; a startling situation takes place and she is cast out with her only payment being confusion and shock. Angered at modeling all day and receiving no proper payment, Luciana steals the painting she modeled for. She immediately feels the pettiness of her action and is determined to return the art, but little does she know that her theft has already resulted in some deadly consequences...

Thrown into a web of political intrigue and vile murder, Luciana must discover what secret she has stumbled upon with the stolen painting. Forced to make rash decisions, live moment to moment, and flee shrouded murderers across the country, Luciana must unravel this mystery and save innocent lives from unthinkable destruction...

While reading this novel, I was constantly undecided weather I liked it or not; but even in those moments of dislike there was always something that kept me wanting to read further. The plot was very complex and well thought out, and even though it seemed a bit far stretched at times, it always kept the reader guessing with its many twists. I had a couple issues with this novel, with the most prominent one being the main character. Luciana was a very crass figure who's language was quite vile, even for that of a prostitute. No matter how much I tried, I found it impossible to have positive feelings towards her. This inability to connect with Luciana might have been less apparent if not for the abrupt beginning, which is my second issue. The reader is thrown into the intense plot right from the start, and there is no time to gain any understanding of Luciana's harsh character. This abrupt start also had an unfortunate result of giving the reader a disconnected feeling, never feeling submerged in the story and just simply reading a book. Although these issues were very frustrating, I am very happy that I finished the book because the ending was great. It brought closure to every aspect and left the reader happy with the conclusion. This great ending managed to ease my frustrations and brought my rating up to a solid 3 stars. 

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

Book Review: O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)
Before Juliet Capelletti lie two futures: a traditionally loveless marriage to her father's business partner, or the fulfillment of her poetic dreams, inspired by the great Dante. Unlike her beloved friend Lucrezia, who looks forward to her arranged marriage, Juliet has a wild, romantic imagination that knows not the bounds of her great family's stalwart keep. 
The latter path is hers for the taking when Juliet meets Romeo Monticecco, a soulful young man seeking peace between their warring families. A dreamer himself, Romeo is unstoppable, once he determines to capture the heart of the remarkable woman foretold in his stars. The breathless intrigue that ensues is the stuff of beloved legend. But those familiar with Shakespeare's muse know only half the story...



My Review:

Shakespeare's timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers comes to life in a whole new way with Robin Maxwell's O, Juliet.

Romeo Monticecco and Juliet Capelletti meet by chance during a masked ball in honor of Juliet's best friends betrothal. It is this on this starry night that a love forms between them, a love so strong that it binds them closer together with each passing day. With their love being perfect in every way, there should be no doubt of their imminent marriage, but their future is full of blockades, with the most prominent one being that their two families are bitter enemies...

Romeo has always been hopeful for peace between their two families and now, with his greatest love on the line, he is more determined then ever to end the century old blood feud. Unfortunately, Jacopo Strozzi, Juliets future betrothed, is just as determined to sabotage any chance of peace so he can claim Juliet and a lucrative business partnership for himself...

While trying to find a way out of their horrible predicament, Romeo and Juliet rely on secret meetings, touching poems and their love for the works of Dante to help them endure their trials. Even when secrets, murder and betrayals begin to occur, Romeo and Juliet refuse to give up on their future and there is no limit to what they will do for love...


O, Juliet has all the classic romance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet while combining new intrigue and twists. The result of such a mixture is a splendid and enthralling new take on a timeless classic. When I first heard that there was a new book on Romeo and Juliet, I was a bit skeptical weather or not it would live up to Shakespeare's work, but after reading a couple pages my doubts quickly vanished. This enchanting novel is told mostly from Juliet's point of view; but she is not our usual Juliet. In this version she is a strong, self-thinking and knowledgeable woman who is not afraid to take action. With every page, I soaked up the breathtaking romance that was unfolding before me, never wanting it to end. When the end did come, it was beautifully done leaving the reader completely satisfied and at peace. There are not enough words to describe the depth of how touching this novel was, I can only say that it will definitely be a book I will read again and again.


A Little Extra:

Romeo and Juliet have inspired artists for centuries. Here are some of those paintings:

My personal favorite by Sir Frank Dicksee.

Karl Ludwig Friedrich Becker

Francesco Hayez

This one is another favorite of mine that I found by chance a long time ago. Unfortunately, I am yet to discover the artist.  

Book Review: The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

When six-year-old Kate Woodville’s beautiful sister Elizabeth makes a shocking—and secret—marriage to King Edward IV in 1464, Kate and her large family are whisked to the king’s court. Soon a bedazzled Kate becomes one of the greatest ladies in the land when she marries young Harry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. But Kate’s fairy-tale existence as a duchess is shattered when the ongoing conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York engulfs the Woodville family.

As Edward IV fights to keep his crown, Harry’s relatives become hopelessly divided between Lancaster and York. Forced constantly to struggle with his own allegiances, Harry faces his defining moment when his dear friend Richard, Duke of Gloucester, determines to seize the throne for himself as Richard III. With lives in jeopardy and nothing less than a dynasty at stake, Harry’s loyalties—and his conscience—will be put to the ultimate test.

My Review:
The Stolen Crown is told through the perspective of Kate Woodville and Harry Stafford, who's lives are intertwined at a very young age. After the marriage of Kate's sister, Elizabeth, Kate soon finds herself betrothed to Harry and the young couple are destined to be the future Duke and Duchess of Buckingham. At first they do not get a long at all, but after a few tragedies occur they find themselves looking to each other for support and as they grow older it turns into a beautiful bond of love. Unfortunately, the time Kate and Harry live in is not a peaceful time for love.

The constant battle for the Crown of England is constantly being fought. While Edward IV is King, there are some years of peace in between the turmoil but when things are looking the best for Edward's reign tragedy strikes with his sudden death. England waits in suspense as the fate of England is left into the hands of a 9 year old boy, and everyone wonders if England will be sparred from another civil war. As supposed threats, murder and disastrous secrets become abundant, England's fate hangs in the balance as the fight for it's crown begins once again....


What a way to learn some history! Susan Higginbotham has created a compelling and thrilling tale of the Wars of the Roses. Packed with historical detail, the reader comes away with a greater knowledge of a turbulent time in English history. Since this novel is set during the Wars of the Roses, the mystery of the princes in the tower is of course a major point at the end of the book. Weather you are sympathetic to Richard III or believe he is guilty of the princes fate, the authors take on Richard does not diminish this novel's enjoyability at all. This is the first book by Susan Higginbotham that I have read and I can definitely say that I am going to really enjoy taking the time to read her other works!

Book Review - Phillippa Gregory's The White Queen

Synopsis: (from the publisher)

     Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London...

My Review:

    In the beginning of the book we find Elizabeth Woodville standing on the side of the road with her two young boys, waiting for the King of England (Edward) to ride by. She then captures the eye of the King and his heart too. Secret meetings followed by a secret marriage, mixed with a little magic gave this book a great start.

    Elizabeth rose up quickly from her humble birth, she was now the Queen of England. Appointing her family to high positions through titles and marriage, she hoped to secure a strong future for her Woodville/Riverses kinsmen. Many hated and envied Elizabeth for her rise to power, therefore her enemies were immediately known, and it quickly became a court of ruthless politics.

    Edward soon had to go to war to fight for his crown. Fighting alongside him are two of his most loyal companions, His brother Duke Richard and Elizabeth's brother Anthony. Unfortunately Edwards other brother, Duke George, is fighting for the opposing side with Warwick "the kingmaker". George is vicious and hopes to take the crown from Edward, and then crown himself King. During this battle Elizabeth's father and eldest brother are killed at the hands of Duke George and Warwick, leading Elizabeth to vow for revenge. She curses them both with her magic and seals it with her own blood.

    Peace resumes for a while, and Elizabeth has a child. Soon after, Edward is at war again with Warwick and Duke George, and ends up fleeing England in order to live. In the meantime Elizabeth and her children find Sanctuary in a church, it is here she gives birth to her first son (with the king) Prince Edward. Elizabeth and her mother use their magic to create havoc in the seas, trying to help defeat the traitors and bring her husband back. 

    Edward finally returns, and is able to reclaim his crown through victory in battle. As time goes on, Duke George is constantly being a turncoat, and always trying to play the winning side. Elizabeth has a constant fear of The Tower of London, and being separated from her son Prince Edward. She is obsessed with revenge and gaining more power. More children are born to the King and Queen, and we find that Edward is constantly getting extremely drunk and has plenty of whores.

    In the last 100 pages of the book, things really pick up. Edward falls ill and dies, leaving his thrown to his little Prince Edward and naming His brother Duke Richard as protector. Elizabeth flees into sanctuary again, fearing that Richard will take the crown for himself. Richard does indeed take the crown and holds Prince Edward in the Tower of London. He also executes Elizabeths brother Anthony. So again Elizabeth focuses on revenge and curses Duke (now king) Richard.

     While in sanctuary Elizabeth is focused on plotting to regain control of England. She secretly sends away her second royal son, and then sends a look alike to The Tower to stay with his brother Prince Richard. She soon hears rumors that her sons in the tower have been murdered by Richard, but when she thinks logically about it she can not believe it to be true. Elizabeth's eldest daughter begs her to stop plotting and give up her ambition, which would let them lead a quiet life away from the danger. Still Elizabeth can not let go of her hate or pride.

     When Elizabeth and her daughters finally leave sanctuary, Elizabeth goes to the country and her daughters to court. Elizabeth is still plotting her return to power and revenge for her sons death. She sends for her other son that she had in hiding, feeling that it is now safe to bring him back....

------------

This book was definitely well written and well researched. I actually felt like I was reading a history book, but it was the most readable history book ever. Since this was the time of the Wars of the Roses, battles were all throughout the book. They were in great detail too, I was actually surprised at how well the author described the battle scenes. My only complaint about this book was that for the size of it, I felt there was not a deep enough story line for Elizabeth. Elizabeth was constantly set on revenge and was very ambitious, to the point of putting it before her children. This is all we saw from her and it became very repetitive towards the end, when I actually started to dislike her! When I reached the last page I thought it was only the end of a chapter, so I went to the next page and found that it was the Authors Note. I guess that is a good sign, I was just not ready for the book to end.

     Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. Having done extensive research on this time period myself, I can tell that the author put a great deal of time and passion into this piece of work.  I will be looking forward to her next installment in the series.