Publication Date: 1st March 2013
Pages: 464
Book Source: Thanks to Harlequin Mira & NetGalley
Synopsis: 1415. The Battle of Agincourt is
over, and the young princess Katherine de Valois is the prize to be offered to
Henry V of England. The innocent Katherine is smitten with Henry, but soon
understands that her sole purpose is to produce an heir to unite England and
France. When Henry leaves her a widow at the age of 21, Katherine is forced to
resign herself to a quiet life as the Dowager Queen; her duty is to raise her
son, the young King of England, and little more.
But Katherine is still young and passionate. Many
desire her, and her hand in marriage is worth a kingdom. Setting aside those
driven by ambition, Katherine falls in love with her servant Owen Tudor, and
glimpses the happiness that love can bring. But their enemies are circling, all
battling for power and determined to prevent their marriage. Katherine will
have to fight to control her own destiny…
In this compelling and beautifully written book,
Anne O’Brien tells the story of the innocent young princess, Katherine de
Valois, a pawn in a ruthless political game between England and France, and the
woman who founded the most famous royal dynasty of all – the Tudors
My
Thoughts:
Anne O'Brien gives readers insight into the life
and heart of Katherine de Valois, neglected daughter of King Charles VI of
France and Isabeau of Bavaria and largely forgotten Queen to King Henry V and
grandmother to the Tudor dynasty.
When
Henry dies leaving Katherine widowed at 21, her Valois bloodline and position
as Dowager Queen and mother to young King Henry are sacrosanct. According
to Gloucester and the Royal Council Katherine's conduct must be morally
exemplary, ensuring her son's Kingship and stability of the kingdoms of
England and France.
The
Forbidden Queen is seen through Katherine's eyes as she follows her heart. Her
determination is not expended for power or position but in her quest for
happiness and intense yearning to be loved.
I
found the time spent on Katherine's infatuation with the weasel Edmund
Beaufort, frustrating, a little repetitive and melodramatic but I was
completely captivated when she fell in love with Owen Tudor, Welsh squire and
Master of the Queen's Household. Scandalous yes but I cheered them on as they
defied Parliament and married, standing together in the fight for true
love.
Since
this was Katherine's story not an account of the political and religious
struggles of the time what I really wanted was more of Owen and Katherine's
story, sadly their happiness was squeezed into the last quarter of the novel.
On
a side note: Katherine's mother, Isabeau is portrayed as a heartless mother and
promiscuous, ruthlessly ambitious Queen Consort to mad King Charles. Accurate
or powerful woman maligned? ... I'd love to read more.
This sounds really good! Thanks for the great review!!
ReplyDeleteaww thanks Julie, if you manage to get to it I hope you like it :)
DeleteI so wanna read this book :D
ReplyDeleteOwen & Katherine together was my favourite part ... awww
DeleteSounds so good
ReplyDeleteLoved that Katherine found happiness, wish they had more time together!
Deletenot sure about this one, although I agree grandmother to the Tudor dynasty has not been written about more. Glad you enjoyed this one, for the most part ;)
ReplyDeleteCan't believe I haven't read more about her, it was actually nice that it was more love story than politics.
DeleteSomeone should design a web site that has all of these kings/queens and such people on it so you can assign a book to them and be able to see their pedigree chart all in one spot. Sounds like a good read!!
ReplyDeleteThat's such a good idea, I did find something sort of like that on a UK or Euro website, hmmm got to find it now lol
Delete