Author: Nancy Bilyeau
Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery
Series: Joanna Stafford #3
US Publication Date: 24th March 2015
UK Publication Date: 24th April 2015
Pages: 390
Book Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Synopsis: In THE CROWN, Sister Joanna
Stafford searched for a Dark Ages relic that could save her priory from
Cromwell’s advancing army of destruction. In THE CHALICE, Joanna was drawn into
an international conspiracy against Henry VIII himself as she struggled to
learn the truth behind a prophecy of his destruction.
Now, in THE TAPESTRY, Joanna
Stafford finally chooses her own destiny.
After her Dominican priory
in Dartford closed forever—collateral damage in tyrannical King Henry VIII’s
quest to overthrow the Catholic Church—Joanna resolves to live a quiet and
honorable life weaving tapestries, shunning dangerous quests and conspiracies.
Until she is summoned to Whitehall Palace, where her tapestry weaving has drawn
the King’s attention.
Joanna is uncomfortable
serving the King, and fears for her life in a court bursting with hidden
agendas and a casual disregard for the virtues she holds dear. Her suspicions
are confirmed when an assassin attempts to kill her moments after arriving at
Whitehall.
Struggling to stay ahead of
her most formidable enemy yet, an unknown one, she becomes entangled in
dangerous court politics. Her dear friend Catherine Howard is rumored to be the
King’s mistress. Joanna is determined to protect young, beautiful, naïve
Catherine from becoming the King’s next wife and, possibly, victim.
Set in a world of royal banquets and feasts,
tournament jousts, ship voyages, and Tower Hill executions, this thrilling tale
finds Joanna in her most dangerous situation yet, as she attempts to decide the
life she wants to live: nun or wife, spy or subject, rebel or courtier. Joanna
Stafford must finally choose.
My Thoughts:
It's not often I say a book is superb let alone the entire trilogy but Nancy Bilyeau ticks all the boxes with The Tapestry and its predecessors. Maintaining historical integrity while blessing the reader with a pacy entertaining read is no mean feat.
It's not often I say a book is superb let alone the entire trilogy but Nancy Bilyeau ticks all the boxes with The Tapestry and its predecessors. Maintaining historical integrity while blessing the reader with a pacy entertaining read is no mean feat.
I'm a glutton for all things Tudor. Being well read in that particular historical period I confess I've become quite
I loved the direction Bilyeau took in this final
installment. Despite best intentions Joanna is drawn back into service to King
Henry, intrigue and danger follow her doggedly. King Henry is working
on ridding himself of wife number 4, Anne of Cleves and has Catherine Howard in
his sights for wife number 5 spot, much to Joanna's horror, being a long-time
friend of Catherine's.
Once again I loved the mix of notable historical
figures and fictional characters, I enjoyed learning about German painter Hans
Holbein the younger and I was especially happy to spend time with many (King Henry
VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Bishop Gardiner, Thomas Howard, Jane Boleyn, Thomas
Culpepper and Catherine Howard) from the safety of a book's pages.
A compulsive read that has you turning the pages
for ... just one more chapter.
Recommend: hell yes!! Read them all.
See my reviews
Book 1 The Crown
Book 2 The Chalice
Connect with Nancy Bilyeau
Giveaway:
To enter to win one of three signed hardcover copies of The Tapestry, please complete the form below
To enter to win one of three signed hardcover copies of The Tapestry, please complete the form below
Rules:
Giveaway starts on March 16th
at 12:01am EST and ends at 11:59pm EST on April 3rd.
Giveaway is open to residents in North America and the UK.
You must be 18 or older to enter.
Winners will be chosen via GLEAM on April 4th and notified via email.
Winners have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
Been waiting for this third book in the series. Sounds like it will be as great as the first two. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely was Linda, maybe even better. I loved it, hope you do too!
DeleteOOH looks like a beautiful read!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely Sheila, good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteThis sounds like such a wonderful series Teddyree. I love the period and like that she kept it accurate yet face-paced and entertaining.
ReplyDeletethe research in all 3 books has been meticulous and any embellishments have enhanced the story rather than detracted from it. You would love them Kimberly :)
DeleteI've heard great things about this series, but somehow I haven't picked the first book up yet. Maybe I will do it now that I can read all three in a row!
ReplyDeleteyay!! do that, can't wait to see what you think :)
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful trilogy. I have read only a small number of books from the Tudor period, although the ones I have, I enjoyed. I'll keep this trilogy in mind for when I need to change up my reading to refresh my reading palate. Great review as always.
ReplyDeleteWell I think you know how much I love the Tudor period Kathryn lol. Keep the trilogy on your wishlist, it takes a lot to impress me now so definitely no hesitation in recommending these!
DeleteI have heard good things about this one :)
ReplyDeletethis is right up your alley B ... I'd be surprised if you didn't love it :)
DeleteThank you so much for these comments. And I appreciate the review! I don't write traditional historical novels and it is gratifying to find people who like that :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by Nancy ... loved them all but this final installment just cemented your position. I'll be waiting with bated breath for whatever's next from you?? Any hints lol
Delete