To Seize a Queen is the 23rd episode in Fiona Buckley’s series of Ursula Stannard’s life in Tudor England. She is half sister to the Queen, and has beTo Seize a Queen is the 23rd episode in Fiona Buckley’s series of Ursula Stannard’s life in Tudor England. She is half sister to the Queen, and has been called to attend to the queen for one of her regular court appearances. While there, she is summoned to meet with Sir Robert Cecil. Also there, Sir Francis Godolphin of Cornwall, with a story of a terrible crime that seems underway in his home county. People are disappearing. Random individuals or couples or small families have gone missing without notice of any kind. There are rumors of slave takers. Possibly taking individuals based on their skills. Ursula is asked, in her capacity as assistant and occasional agent for the Queen, to help with the plan to seek out those behind this horror against the queen’s people.
A plan is made and Ursula’s household moves forth to Cornwall to implement the plan worked out at Court. Then the story just goes and goes with many people introduced and no one definitively ruled in or out as suspicious. Ursula, Brockley, Dale, and Christopher are to work to identify possible organizers of this slave-taking system. Unlike past episodes, To Seize a Queen suffers from the lengthy time in the story spent thinking and talking about possible wrongdoers and fruitless searches. On the positive side, there are excellent scenes of cultural events of the time. But I did wish for an historical footnote about the subject, slavery to order from England, something I have never previously read or heard of.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for an early copy of this book. This review is my own....more
Shakespeare’s Sisters by Ramie Targoff is an eye-opening work about women who were writing during the Renaissance in England, during the time of ShakeShakespeare’s Sisters by Ramie Targoff is an eye-opening work about women who were writing during the Renaissance in England, during the time of Shakespeare. These women, and their various works, largely went unknown for four centuries before slowly beginning to emerge in the mid 20th century. Now, a considerable amount has been amassed on the works, and lives, of Mary Sidney, Amelia Lanyer, Elizabeth Cary, and Anne Clifford. Because women’s lives during the 16th century were so circumscribed by the males surrounding them (father, husband, brother, son), this book also necessarily brings in much detail of their lives, relationships, and places in society, including standing with the Queen or King.
These women were lucky in having parents who wanted educated daughters which was not the norm even among the wealthy. Social proficiency was often considered more important. Mary Sidney, the sister of well known poet Philip Sidney, was a poet in her own right and one who became known in her own time. Amelia Lanyer was the first English woman to publish a book of original poetry. Elizabeth Cary was the first English woman to publish an original play. Anne Clifford kept a detailed diary for her entire life. A great deal of the diary still exists and was used to recreate the legal battle she fought most of her adult life to regain property that should have become hers after the death of her husband.
Examples of each woman’s work are provided throughout the text.
I recommend this for anyone interested in English literature and history, the Renaissance period in England. There are copious notes and sources provided by the author.
Thanks to Alfred A. Knopf and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book. This review is my own....more
Ursula Stannard is leaving the London funeral for Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen’s official, when she is notified that she should hasten to FaldeneUrsula Stannard is leaving the London funeral for Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen’s official, when she is notified that she should hasten to Faldene House, the home of her Uncle Herbert and Aunt Tabitha. Uncle Herbert has died. This was not an unexpected death but it raised sad memories of a lonely childhood as an unwanted child, unloved after her mother died. So the Stannard family retinue made its way for Faldene House rather than home. And there would begin a series of events to strike fear in even Ursula’s stout heart. After Herbert’s funeral, there is another death, one that leaves Ursula worried that something may in fact be unnatural.
When she returns to Hawkswood, Ursula will learn more than she wants about what is happening in her world because of her past dealings with the pirate Mercer brothers. But there are other developments too, chief among them the maturing of her son, Harry, being groomed to eventually be the owner and steward of Hawkswood. He is now betrothed.
So much happens in this episode. Ursula is challenged in ways not seen before. She is now a woman in her 50s, feeling her age but still vital and in charge. Every inch the Queen’s sister. This may not be the best book in the series to begin with as the cast is so large and harkens back to past events. But even with that said, it’s an exciting read and great historical fiction.
Recommended
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy of this book in return for an honest review....more
The Dance Tree is historical fiction set in Strasbourg, France in 1518. The 16th century was a time of severe weather, stubborn and severe summer heatThe Dance Tree is historical fiction set in Strasbourg, France in 1518. The 16th century was a time of severe weather, stubborn and severe summer heat, no rain and ruined crops. Combined with this were winters where people froze in the streets. At the end of the prior century, a comet had struck in the same region. Everything was said to have the same cause: God was punishing all humanity who must atone. Now, in July of 1518, a woman, one Frau Troffea, began dancing in the street in Strasbourg. In future weeks there would be dozens then, ultimately, hundreds dancing in Strasbourg.
This is the background upon which Hargrave has based her story and such a captivating story it is. Other background elements of that history are also included such as the ongoing incursion of the Ottoman Empire into the Holy Roman Empire as well as issues of immigration of unwanted peoples into France from the East.
On the outskirts of the city, farms struggling to survive. We learn of Lisbet Wiler, her husband Heinrich and mother Sophey. Lisbet is the voice of the story; she is also witness to what happens. She is late in pregnancy as the novel opens, hopeful this child will live but fearful given her failed pregnancies of the past. What sin has she committed, she wonders? She cares for the bees which bring in valuable honey and wax to support the family. A sister-in-law, Agnethe, she has never met, is due back shortly after having spent seven years of penance at a nunnery in the mountains. What terrible sin did Nethe commit? No one will speak of it. In the midst of all this sadness and worry, however, there are occasions of real joy within this story, written beautifully.
So much is unspoken but still weighs heavily on Lisbet and on many others here, the harshness of the life, the brutal weather, the church pronouncements of human evils and need to atone, and now these dancing women who seem gripped by some mania causing them to dance and dance, often until they bleed or drop. What will happen to them?
This is a fascinating read depicting a very different time, where science as such didn’t exist, the Church ruled daily life, women had no reality beyond their relationship to some man, father, brother, husband or son. It was a time of superstition but still a time of people living for the future. I recommend this book, definitely.
A copy of this book was provided by Harper Collins Publishers through NetGalley in return for an honest review....more
Golden Cargoes, the latest of Fiona Buckley’s historical series set in 16th England is a nice addition to the stories of Ursula Stannard. This time thGolden Cargoes, the latest of Fiona Buckley’s historical series set in 16th England is a nice addition to the stories of Ursula Stannard. This time the circumstances and mysteries are of a more domestic nature than in the last book which featured fears of the Spanish Armada. And all of the action begins with a fairly benign invitation to the wedding of her tenant’s daughter. Of course a wedding at that time could mean a weeks to months long visit and who knows what might happen during all of that time.
Suffice it to say that Ursula and her stalwart aide Roger Brockley, as well as his wife Dale, come upon enough to engage their well known skills at searching out more. The first indication that this will not be a relaxing time is found on arrival when they encounter the soon to be bride arguing with her mother. She doesn’t want to marry the nearby landowner she doesn’t even know. And then there are the glimpses of rich ornaments and jewels that seem beyond the means of the Mercers, the tenant family whose sons earn their living sailing to and from the colonies in the new world delivering supplies on both ends. Questions arise that Ursula has difficulty answering without resorting to her specialty skills of detection and the answers lead her beyond the small village to national issues.
This is recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction and mysteries.
A copy of this book was provided by Severn House through NetGalley in return for an honest review....more
This has been my first experience reading Maggie O’Farrell but very definitely not my last. The Marriage Portrait lived up to the quite high expectatiThis has been my first experience reading Maggie O’Farrell but very definitely not my last. The Marriage Portrait lived up to the quite high expectations I had as I began reading given all the excellent reviews and comments I had heard and read before I settled in with the book. O’Farrell’s many skills shine throughout. She lives in Lucrezia’s mind, bringing us her realizations and descriptions of changes, large and small, in her life, in people and in the atmosphere around her.
O’Farrell’s creations of Florence and Ferrera are done in such a painterly way that they can be visualized in their opposition. Likewise, I feel that each character became a true being In these pages. I’m not dealing with the marriage plot in my review; it is covered very well in many places. My aim is to note those aspects of the novel that stand out for me.
Thank you to the author for her historical note at the end of the novel. It adds interesting touches to complement her historical fiction. And thanks to Constant Reader for having The Marriage Portrait as our Reading List book for April. It moved me to read this book now....more
Shadow of Spain, the latest entry in Fiona Buckley’s Ursula Blanchard series, is an exciting story set in the unsettled and dangerous time as Philip oShadow of Spain, the latest entry in Fiona Buckley’s Ursula Blanchard series, is an exciting story set in the unsettled and dangerous time as Philip of Spain is threatening an invasion of England. Queen Elizabeth is involved in secret diplomacy with the Duke of Parma of the Netherlands to ensure he keeps his army at home. Meanwhile, there are intrigues a foot and, while not personally involved, Ursula cannot help but become close to some of the activity. After all, she is half sister to the queen and has acted as messenger for her in the past.
The plot is complex, with overlapping plots involving the messenger/spies employed by the countries involved, Ursula’s ward Mildred, and important trips to Brussels. I don’t want to give all plot; that is summarized in many places. What I do want to mention is the inclusion of helpful summaries of Ursula’s background with the court and Elizabeth and of her relationship with her sister in what is an odd and unequal relationship. I appreciated this closer look into the reality of Ursula’s life and emotions.
I continue to recommend this series. The tale here is compelling. I did have a minor quibble with the presentation of part of the story as it is told to Ursula in the form of letters. It’s not unusual that the letters would have been written to Ursula by this character. The issue I had was that this was the only means to get the information into the novel. By the time I finished reading, my concern had faded quite a bit as everything fell into place so well.
Rating 4 to 4.5.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review....more
Following immediately upon the events of the prior novel, as Forest of Secrets opens Ursula Stannard and her retinue are returning from Devon to HawksFollowing immediately upon the events of the prior novel, as Forest of Secrets opens Ursula Stannard and her retinue are returning from Devon to Hawkswood, her home, she becomes aware that a woman has been waiting there for her return. This woman, Etheldreda Hope, had come seeking Ursula’s help. She knew something of Ursula’s reputation in helping people. Mrs Hope feared that a strange conspiracy, possibly connected in some way to Queen Mary, was involved with gatherings occurring around old pagan feast days in the Forest by her small village. Of course, if Mary is mentioned, Ursula must listen as she is always cautious around issues that might concern Queen Elizabeth. It has now become somewhat more general knowledge that Ursula is half sister to the Queen and interested in her concerns.
And so begins another mystery set in 1586 with all the trappings of the era. Information is procured by message sent with men, or boys, on horseback and received back in hours or days, not minutes. Access to areas can be limited by clothing, particularly women’s clothing as described. But Ursula has unusual access because of who she is and because she has the support of the Queen’s security leaders. They are united in protecting Elizabeth and stopping any possible conspiracies.
This is another interesting story in the series and one that can be enjoyed as a stand-alone read by someone new to the books though you would lose some details of past relationships. I find historical fiction a great way to explore earlier times. This series is a good example.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review....more
Katheryn Howard the Scandalous Queen, a novel of the fifth wife of Henry VIII, is told in the voice of the young woman, beginning at the death of her Katheryn Howard the Scandalous Queen, a novel of the fifth wife of Henry VIII, is told in the voice of the young woman, beginning at the death of her mother in childbirth when Katheryn was seven. (Her precise date of birth is debated according to Weir, which might well impact her behavior in her short life, i.e. immaturity in spite of her setting) Not long after, her father, a spendthrift member of the Howard family, sent all of his children away, Katheryn to the home of the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk where she will grow up with other young women of similar backgrounds.
This is where the novel began to disappoint and lose me. Here at the Dowager Duchess’ castle, Katheryn gradually comes to know of the other women’s/girl’s lives in their “dorter,” a communal space the women shared with inadequate supervision (according to Katheryn). While Katheryn had a personal chamber, her curiosity led her eventually to ask to join the others and at a point (? Twelve) she was allowed. There was feasting. There were visits from young men also quartered with the Duchess. Here Katheryn was introduced to sex. And we hear all her thoughts, hopes, worries, fears, etc, etc, etc. Here the novel moves into the realm of sexy romantic historical fiction. More teenage romance and sex than history for a few years.
There is more, such as the crude Howard family plot to use Katheryn to ensnare Henry, who believes she is a chaste, pure young thing, and Katheryn’s internal musings on what might have been with a younger lover. It became a bit much for me as I found her voice tiresome. And of course there is only one way for the novel about the fifth wife of Henry VIII to end...
I know that I am outnumbered in my feelings about this book by others’ praise but this simply hit me wrong, while I did like Weir’s novel about Ann of Cleves. I believe it’s the romance novel aspect that got me.
2.5* rounded to 3*
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review....more
This latest book in the Ursula Blanchard series continues the exciting historical trip back to the days of Queen Elizabeth, when England was worried aThis latest book in the Ursula Blanchard series continues the exciting historical trip back to the days of Queen Elizabeth, when England was worried about papist conspiracies and possible Spanish invasion to free Mary Stuart. As half-sister to the queen, Ursula cannot refuse tasks she is given that have protection of the queen at their core. And so, at the opening of The Scent of Danger, as Ursula learns that two agents she hired on behalf of the Crown have died in unusual ways, she feels she must act.
She feels responsible because she hired these men to watch for signs of any invasion or fundraising and also fears they may have, in fact, discovered something dangerous. Being a rather intrepid woman, she arranges a visit by a number of her household to friends in the area to begin her quest.
I have now read a few books in this series and they are remarkably consistent in use of period history, details of historical culture and daily life from clothing to food to variables of religious observances to meals observed in a tavern. In this outing, Ursula encounters Puritans and their daily way of life which is so very different from her own. While reading a complex and interesting mystery, there’s also much to learn. Enjoy!
4-4.5*
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review....more
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