Author: Isolde Martyn
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: 1st August 2014
Pages: 285
Book Source: Harlequin Mira Australia & NetGalley
Synopsis: Two young women on opposing sides find their lives wrecked by battle...can they be restored by love?
As sister to Warwick the Kingmaker and cousin to the new young King Edward IV, Kate Neville finds herself on the winning side of the latest bloody battle of the War of the Roses — and under pressure to marry again. Kate’s family want to ensure her new husband will be someone they control, such as the king’s handsome chamberlain, Lord William Hastings, but Kate is refusing. Hastings has a reputation as a womaniser and she wants a man who won’t betray her like her first husband did. But the debonair Hastings is determined to win her heart. Can she thwart her brother’s plans for her?
Elysabeth Woodville is a beautiful young woman, much adored by her husband, Sir John Grey. But when he is killed in battle on the losing side and named as a traitor, his estate is seized by the Yorkists and Elysabeth finds herself penniless and friendless. In her desperate struggle to restore her sons’ inheritance, she finds herself not only kneeling before her enemy but winning his heart. Is she is too proud to become his mistress? Or does the King of England love her enough to ignore his friends’ advice and make her his queen?
In the precarious peace of a bloody civil war, can love heal wounds and reunite families?
My Thoughts:
I was introduced to Isolde Martyn with Mistress
to the Crown, which I enjoyed and her latest novel The Golden Widows, even
more so. I seriously can't get enough of the historical players in the War of
the Roses, whilst I'm well-read on the history, Isolde Martyn's uniquely fascinating perspective made for a
refreshing read.
The story sashays back and forth between Yorkist widow Kate
Neville (cousin to King Edward IV and sister to the influential Richard
Neville, known in history as Warwick the Kingmaker) and Lancastrian widow
Elysabeth Woodville. Isolde Martyn's attention to detail ensures both women are
entirely accessible and equally captivating.
Elysabeth and Kate are strong, intelligent, passionate women, protective of their children. The Golden Widows explores their struggles, tears and triumphs, the fight to claim a widow's dower, reverse attainders, regain a child's inheritance and pursue happiness.
I just love Elysabeth Woodville's story, yup I'm totally a White
Queen fan and I also really enjoyed seeing the relationship blossom between
Kate Neville and William Hastings, the King's chamberlain.
An interesting aside, it took me a little while to work out where
Katherine Neville, Duchess of Norfolk sat in the scheme of things ... Aunt to Katherine (Kate) Neville,
Baroness Hastings (just in case you're the slightest bit interested lol.) The
Duchess of Norfolk's fourth and last marriage was to John Woodville, brother of
Elizabeth Woodville ... their marriage earned the nickname the "diabolical marriage" - HA wonder
if that had anything to do with the 'scandalous' age difference - John at 19 and
Katherine 65.
The Golden Widows is
a believable blending of historical fact and embellishment, a good fix for War of the
Roses insatiables and historical fiction fans. My only complaint, I
didn't want it to end.
Connect with Isolde Martyn
GIVEAWAY:
Thanks to the lovely folk at Harlequin Aust I have a paperback copy up for grabs. Just leave a comment with an email address if you're entering. Aust/NZ Only
Extra Entries:
Extra Entries:
+ 2 tweet giveaway and leave a link
Giveaway ends 3rd August and winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck!
I've read quite a bit about the Woodville side but not the Kate Neville side. Please count me in with a Victorian address for the giveaway. Wouldn't want to miss this one! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteyeah I hadn't read much about Kate Neville either and yet I'd read a bit about Hastings ... quite the player.
DeleteI don't really know anything about this time period :(
ReplyDeleteHA time to rectify that oversight Stacy :)
DeleteI am a white queen fan too ;:)
ReplyDeletehell yeah .. TV series was good too :)
DeleteElizabeth Woodville is a fascinating woman! Hopefully this book will come to the US. =)
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Diana! not long til release, it's supposed to be available internationally in eBook format.
DeleteSounds like this was one that you really enjoyed. I tend not to read that much historical fiction - but have read some that I very much liked. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI love to read historical fiction. This has just made my wish list. Yes please!!
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I love reading Tudor/Plantagenet fiction. There are not many good books about Elizabeth Woodville. I am looking forward to this one.
ReplyDeleteI met Isolde late last year and have wanted to read one of her books for awhile. This one is on my TBR and I'd love to read it. Thanks for the opportunity :)
ReplyDeleteOhhhhh will need to check this out!!!
ReplyDeleteI love historical fiction and The Golden Widows sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI love this period of history.
ReplyDeleteI love this period and you have me curious about the author's take on the war of the roses. I am glad to hear you loved this one even more than the first..always a good sign!
ReplyDeleteWatching the TV series The White Queen filled in a couple of gaps that was missing from my reading knowledge. I would love to be entered into the give way. I do love the covers for Isolde Martyn's covers.
ReplyDeletekaren(dot)barr2008@gmail(dot)com