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Mistress of Mourning

by Karen Harper (Goodreads Author)

3.39 of 5 stars 3.39 · rating details · 198 ratings · 51 reviews

In a gripping historical novel of suspense and romance from the national bestselling author of The Queen's Governess, two women fight to defeat the enemies of the precarious Tudor monarchy by uncovering the secrets of the dead...London, 1501.In a time of political unrest, Varina Westcott, a young widow and candle maker for court and church, agrees to perform a clandestine...more

Paperback, 416 pages

Published July 3rd 2012 by NAL Trade

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Aug 01, 2012 Rio (Lynne) added it

Shelves: couldn-t-bring-myself-to-finish

I got halfway through and skipped to the author's notes. I don't think this one is for me. I knew it would be light HF and I liked the idea that it covered Elizabeth of York's years as Queen (something new) but I didn't realize this was going to be a far fetched mystery. It started off fresh with the main character (Varina) in her wax shop missing her son, who had passed away. A suitor was pursuing her, which she wasn't thrilled with and then Nicholas walked into her store with a Royal request....more

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Jul 10, 2012 Debbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, mystery, romance

"Mistress of Mourning" is a historical set in 1501 to 1503 in England and Wales. There was also a romance and a mystery to solve. I think what I liked most about this novel was that I felt like Varina was really a woman of her time rather than a woman with a modern mindset, and I found that an interesting viewpoint. Granted, she pushed the edges of what was acceptable in her time, but I felt like the motive for most of her actions was to help others find peace and safety rather than to try to ge...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This novel took a while for me to get into it (about 100 pages) but once I did I found the characters to be very vivid and the plot suspenseful. Unfortunately though it then fizzled out towards the end, with loose ends abruptly tied together in a way that gave no real closure to the character's stories. I would have given this novel a solid four stars if not for the ending.
The middle of the novel though, the 'bulk' of it, was very entertaining. The author has created a mystery surrounding a disc...more This novel took a while for me to get into it (about 100 pages) but once I did I found the characters to be very vivid and the plot suspenseful. Unfortunately though it then fizzled out towards the end, with loose ends abruptly tied together in a way that gave no real closure to the character's stories. I would have given this novel a solid four stars if not for the ending.
The middle of the novel though, the 'bulk' of it, was very entertaining. The author has created a mystery surrounding a discontented Yorkist during the reign of Henry Tudor (VII). Sir Francis Lovell seeks to destory the 'upstart' King, whilst also wishing to bring to light what he knows of the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower from years before. The sister of the princes, Queen Elizabeth, still mourns for them and seeks to know the truth behind their disappearance. She enlists the services of Varina Westcott, a candlemaker, to carve waxen effigies of her brothers, but Varina soon becomes tied up in the plot of the villian Lovell.
One thing I did find a little strange in this novel is that Queen Elizabeth continuously refers to her husband's enemies as 'Yorkists'; something I find rather ironic when she herself was the daughter of the Yorkist King Edward IV. If her brothers would have survived then they, in turn, would have been the rightful King of England, and not her husband. Considering the amount of guilt she feels about their disappearance, and the extremity in which she mourns them, it would seem that she is not thinking in terms of keeping her husband on his throne. It makes me wonder how the Elizabeth of this novel would have viewed the so-called 'pretenders' to Tudor's throne, Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck, but unfortunately neither of these were mentioned in this novel.
The part of the novel that I felt to be the most intriguing was the time Varina spent in Wales, trying to uncover evidence that the Tudor heir to the throne, Prince Arthur, was murdered. I have always taken it for granted that he died of natural causes, for he was a sickly boy, but I did find it interesting to read of the theory that he was murdered. Also, the tales of the Welsh hero Owen Glendower that the author incorporated into the story really sparked my interest into the history of this Welsh figure. Considering he lived merely a century before, it makes sense that Henry Tudor felt the need to consolidate his power in Wales by sending his son there as a figurehead of authority.
Overall I felt that this novel had a lot of potential, with a very interesting and suspenseful plot, but unfortunately the beginning was slow and the end a disappointment. I wonder if the author was in a rush to finish her novel(less)

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Feb 03, 2013 Éowyn rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

The book has three mysteries at the heart - was Arthur Tudor really murdered (I confess this is a new theory to me and not sure how credible this is), what happened to the so-called Princes in the Tower and what became of Lord Lovell after the Battle of Stoke. Personally, I think the latter is done a great disservice here, based on the historical knowns of his character. Even so, what happens and with the hero and heroine's consent is pretty horrific - yes, I know the historical basis for this,...more The book has three mysteries at the heart - was Arthur Tudor really murdered (I confess this is a new theory to me and not sure how credible this is), what happened to the so-called Princes in the Tower and what became of Lord Lovell after the Battle of Stoke. Personally, I think the latter is done a great disservice here, based on the historical knowns of his character. Even so, what happens and with the hero and heroine's consent is pretty horrific - yes, I know the historical basis for this, but it doesn't do much good for liking the supposed protagonists! Also the rather melodramatic language as the book nears it's conclusion - monster, beast, devil - it just goes a bit over the top.

I could explain a bit more about why I wasn't keen on the book, but it would be difficult to do without spoilers, so I suppose I will leave that there. I will just say that I find it hard to credit that when Elizabeth Woodville came out of sanctuary in 1484 she didn't know what had happened to her sons and therefore one would assume that Elizabeth of York would also have known - and she was happy enough to be honoured at her uncle's court that Yuletide. Having the Elizabeth of this book rail against Yorkists when she came from what seemed a close family does seem to me to be somewhat absurd.

There are, also, a number of errors which could and should have been picked up. Another reviewer has already mentioned the note which is shown to two other people on one page and on the following page is apparently a secret! There are also TWO erroneous mentions of Richard duke of York, when the context is reasonably clear the person actually referred to is York's son, Richard Duke of Gloucester - elementary mistake that should not have been made!

Perhaps I have read too many non-fiction books about the period and have formed my own strong opinions to enjoy this book as much as some other reviewers. If it is going to be your 'thing' I can only give you my opinion and leave it to yourselves to determine.(less)

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Oct 10, 2012 Yvonne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This novel grabbed me and I couldn’t wait to finish because it does have plenty of suspense and intrigue in the court of Henry VII and picks up speed as it goes along. Ms. Harper weaves a tale containing history, love and plenty of anticipation. Her writing flows effortlessly and her characters are well rounded. I enjoyed with Varina Westcott, a woman trying to forge her own way in the XV century.
A couple of minor details threw me off. “dipped me a steady curtsy, more power to her.” Would a XVI...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Kim rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: tudor-fiction

When I heard about this book, I was incredibly excited to read it. Tudor mania is a big business, with many books contributing to it, but only a small number of those books ever bother to feature Elizabeth of York in any real detail. So, hearing that the first Tudor Queen was going to be one of the principle characters of the book had captured my interest.

(view spoiler)...more When I heard about this book, I was incredibly excited to read it. Tudor mania is a big business, with many books contributing to it, but only a small number of those books ever bother to feature Elizabeth of York in any real detail. So, hearing that the first Tudor Queen was going to be one of the principle characters of the book had captured my interest.

(view spoiler)(less)

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Dec 25, 2012 Nattie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: skipped-many-pages

I began reading royal fiction this year starting from the year 1000, and because of this, I have read back-to-back books on the same people and it has become tedious. This must be my 7th book in a row involving a woodville or the mystery of the Tower Princes. The problem is that most of the books haven't been that good. The White Queen was OK, and The Red Queen was sickening but actually quite good.

This book starts off slower than a stalled train, and the secrecy surrounding Varina's new project...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Colleen Turner rated it 4 of 5 stars

I reviewed this book for www.luxuryreading.com

The twisting mysteries throughout Mistress of Mourning were a pleasant surprise as I was expecting a more traditional historical fiction story. Karen Harper presents tiny pieces of the puzzle throughout the narrative with the final pieces not falling into place until the very end. She gives us clear answers to the questions regarding the disappearance of the Princes of the Tower as well as the death of Prince Arthur and even gives reasons why she rea...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Firstly, I'd like to thank Goodreads and the Penguin Group: I won this novel as part of the First Reads program.

Although the novel opens on the young widow and candlemaker, Varina Wescott, the tale revolves around not one, but two women -- the other one being Queen Elizabeth, wife to King Henry VII and mother of the future King Henry VIII. The story is mainly told from Varina's point of view, but parts of it are narrated by the Queen.

Varina is a talented candlemaker, running her deceased husband...more Firstly, I'd like to thank Goodreads and the Penguin Group: I won this novel as part of the First Reads program.

Although the novel opens on the young widow and candlemaker, Varina Wescott, the tale revolves around not one, but two women -- the other one being Queen Elizabeth, wife to King Henry VII and mother of the future King Henry VIII. The story is mainly told from Varina's point of view, but parts of it are narrated by the Queen.

Varina is a talented candlemaker, running her deceased husband's shop with the help of her sister and brother-in-law in a time when it was exceedingly rare for a woman to do so. She spends her days making candles for funerals, church services and weddings -- although she often finds herself carving the face of her youngest son, who died four months prior to the narrative. In between fending off the proposals of half the single men of the candlemakers' guild and running a prosperous shop, Varina comes to the attention of a lady at the palace: the Queen.

This young candlemaker and the Queen have something in common -- both have lost children. The Queen, having seen an angel candle made by Varina, calls the candlemaker to the palace to carve four waxen effigies in secret. Why the secret? Two are of the Queen's deceased children ... the other two are of her dead brothers, the legendary Princes in the Tower.

Varina completes the task, but her time with the Queen and royal politics does not end there. The Queen has bigger plans for her candlemaker -- to sniff out rumors surrounding the murder of her brothers. With the help of Nick Sutton, once a Yorkist loyalist, now sworn to the Tudor throne, Sutton will do anything to keep himself in King Henry's good graces.

I wanted to like this book, simply because I was fortunate to win a free copy. Sadly, I ended up feeling rather confused. I've read many Tudor/War of the Roses-era books (mostly Philippa Gregory), so I considered myself fairly familiar with the events. The main villain of the novel is one Lord Lovell, whom I never had heard of before this book; then there is a man by the name of Tyrell, who was executed for the Princes' murder almost twenty years later.

Varina is fairly unremarkable. I admire her pluck in trying to keep the shop open on her own. But while she keeps her one adament suitor at arms'-length and prefers to not remarry, the minute Nick Sutton appears, she's all a-twitter.

The passages told from the Queen's point of view, honestly, should have been left out, since they really didn't contribute much to the narrative. Admittedly, King Henry must have loved his wife a lot, since he tolerated her crusade to find her brothers' murderers. Murders that paved his way to the throne.

History tells us that Prince Arthur, Queen Catherine of Aragon's first husband, was a weak child, who succumbed to an illness in Wales. Karen Harper postulates that he was poisoned by Lord Lovell out of Yorkist loyalty. Definitely a different take!

The novel runs along at a fairly fast clip, taking Varina from her candleshop to the palace, out to Wales and back again. From lowly candlemaker to Queen's confidante in two easy steps! Throw in a little peril and some child endangerment, but not enough to capture my attention. I found myself skimming towards the end.

Not a spectacular novel, but an okay one.(less)

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Feb 07, 2013 Gemma rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: amazon-vine

I had high hopes for The Queen's Confidante after enjoying Harper's 'The Queen's Governess' previously. Unfortunately this book didn't live up to expectations. This was mostly because I found the story unbelieveable and too far fetched. I know it's historical fiction, and I don't mind a bit of a twist on fact, but this was just a bit too silly in places for me to take it seriously.

The book starts well where we meet widow Varina Wescott a candle maker that runs a successful shop. Because of how s...more

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Aug 23, 2012 Audra (Unabridged Chick) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: heroine-amazing, heroine-unusually-attractive, historical-figure-fictionalized, historicals, place-london, place-uk, secret-identities, tudors, top-10-of-2012

Set squarely in the world of 16th century merchants, our heroine, Varina Westcott, is a young widow with a thriving candle-making business. Mourning the loss of her infant son, Varina devotes her time to making beautiful, lifelike angel candles which are sold illicitly as she isn’t a member of the city’s powerful candle-making guild. As if fending off her predatory suitor isn't challenge enough, she accepts a mysterious commission from the royal palace, which, unsurprisingly, has an enormous imp...more Set squarely in the world of 16th century merchants, our heroine, Varina Westcott, is a young widow with a thriving candle-making business. Mourning the loss of her infant son, Varina devotes her time to making beautiful, lifelike angel candles which are sold illicitly as she isn’t a member of the city’s powerful candle-making guild. As if fending off her predatory suitor isn't challenge enough, she accepts a mysterious commission from the royal palace, which, unsurprisingly, has an enormous impact on her life.

Her client is none other than Queen Elizabeth of York, the wife of Henry VII. Still grieving the untimely deaths of her brothers -- the infamous princes in the Tower -- as well as her two infant children, Elizabeth finds in Varina a kindred spirit. But Varina’s seemingly simple commission -- to design wax effigies of Elizabeth's dead kin -- transforms into a more challenging job when Varina is asked to investigate the sudden and mysterious death of Prince Arthur (as in big brother of Henry VIII). There's a predictable romance that I rather liked with a male love interest who was, I'll admit, kind of dreamy.

The novel is split between her first person account and that of Queen Elizabeth, and while I'm not always wild about dual narratives, in this case, it worked. The common loss these two women shared added some depth to this otherwise enjoyably fluffy historical. What sold me on the story, and why I so enjoyed this book, is that Varina worked for me as a heroine -- even when she came dangerously close to that aggravating willful-feisty caricature. She waited out tense situations rather than doing something stupid, for example, and I found her admirable and likeable. (And, yes, I totally want her to be my bestie.)

I can't speak to the novel's historical accuracy. Harper's conjecture about who murdered the princes in the Tower and the cause of Arthur's death might not resonate with those who are armchair historians of that era, but since I don't know, I didn't care, and I liked the mix of history, romance, and intrigue.

Ultimately, this is the best kind of summer historical fiction: light but not insultingly so, with an obvious romance to counter the dark conspiracy. Tudor fans might enjoy this with it's early Tudor roots; those who like artisans and women-who-do-unusual-jobs will find Harper's candle-making research fascinating.(less)

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Aug 26, 2012 Orsolya rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, mistresses-royalty, queens, tudor-england

WINNER OF GR GIVEAWAY

Even with all the Tudor hoopla; little seems to be known about Elizabeth of York, the mother of Henry VIII. Karen Harper’s “Mistress of Mourning” attempts to offer an insight into Elizabeth’s view of the disappearance of her princely brothers and of the death her son, Arthur.

“Mistress of Mourning” instantly off put my reading satisfaction by introducing the character of Varina Wescott with nothing more than elementary flair. Instead of “living” through or even with Varina;...more WINNER OF GR GIVEAWAY

Even with all the Tudor hoopla; little seems to be known about Elizabeth of York, the mother of Henry VIII. Karen Harper’s “Mistress of Mourning” attempts to offer an insight into Elizabeth’s view of the disappearance of her princely brothers and of the death her son, Arthur.

“Mistress of Mourning” instantly off put my reading satisfaction by introducing the character of Varina Wescott with nothing more than elementary flair. Instead of “living” through or even with Varina; Harper spends too much time simply telling the character’s back story instead of following a natural, developmental arch. Furthermore, there is no gripping factor surrounding Varina and therefore the reader never truly roots for her throughout the novel. Plus, Varina lacks vigor, is very one dimensional, and has thoughts which remind me of an annoying teenager. Basically, her character isn’t solid or overly accessible and/or likable.

Harper does try to supplement this character by presenting “Mistress of Mourning” with alternating view points/storytelling by Varina and Elizabeth of York. Although Harper successfully distinguishes between the two voices which sets them a part (Elizabeth possesses way more poise than Varina); the swaps occur too often which prevents the reader from truly getting to know one character from another. It almost felt like Harper had two separate book ideas with each being unfinished and decided to try to combine them.

On a positive note, “Mistress of Mourning” was interesting when explaining the art form of candle making and wax effigies. Harper clearly did her research and sparks curiosity to the topic. The Tudor elements, however, are somewhat bland (although they include some accurate facts); and make Elizabeth of York seem crazy in her quest for answers to the mystery surrounding her brothers and Arthur’s death.

The entire novel is unbelievable and is a case example of a good idea with poor execution. The romance between Varina and Nicholas Sutton lacks intensity, growth, and chemistry; while the mystery elements are plain ridiculous and obviously untrue. There are several, “Are you serious?!” moments. Plus, “Mistress of Mourning” is very rushed with the feeling that something of substance will happen but it never does. For those who enjoy literary language and illustrious settings… you won’t find that here. Those are missing elements, as well.

Also unbelievable (and extremely grating) were the love scenes between Varina and Nicholas. Again, not only did they lack chemistry and feel forced but also were comparable to a high school-level couple. I would have even preferred a Fabio romance at this point!

Although seemingly small details, I couldn’t stand Varina CONSTANTLY having “tears in her eyes” (which depleted her characterization even more); or the fact that the characters called the King and Queen “Your Majesty” when that title wasn’t in use until the time of Henry VIII.

The conclusion of the novel is anti-climatic, predictable, and too “happily ever after”. This will certainly upset those readers who were by now annoyed with the already poor book.

“Mistress of Mourning” is barely above a fairy tale with fantastical ghosts, witches, etc. It is hardly a historical fiction novel and much too high on the fluff ladder. I am not a fan of Harper’s Queen Elizabeth mini-series (I only read one because it was so terrible), yet “Mistress of Mourning” is even worse. Truly only recommended for those not seeking any depth or historical credibility. Had I not won this on GR, I would have not been inclined to finish it.

(less)

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Jul 26, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historic-fiction-1500s, tudor-literature, plantagenet-literature, york-literature

Find the enhanced version of this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

Can I be honest? I think it helped that I didn’t have any expectations going into this one. I was excited about the premise of Karen Harper’s Mistress of Mourning but because I didn’t have any preconceived ideas about the book, I wasn’t upset that it fell on the lighter side of historic fiction. The story isn’t bad, I just think if I’d been craving a hard hitting historic piece as is more my norm, thi...more Find the enhanced version of this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

Can I be honest? I think it helped that I didn’t have any expectations going into this one. I was excited about the premise of Karen Harper’s Mistress of Mourning but because I didn’t have any preconceived ideas about the book, I wasn’t upset that it fell on the lighter side of historic fiction. The story isn’t bad, I just think if I’d been craving a hard hitting historic piece as is more my norm, this one would have left me wanting.

The characters fit the time period which is more than I can say for a lot of published works. Varina is a great example in that she is possessed of an independent streak yet she isn’t so modern minded as to seem inappropriate in Tudor England. Henry VII, Elizabeth of York, Arthur and Catherine read a little flat for my tastes but as they are largely supporting characters it is something I’m willing to overlook. Really the only character I didn’t like was young Henry VIII. I think Harper allowed history to dictate her storytelling a little. Just once I’d love to see an author downplay the younger Tudor prince and really guide the reader towards Arthur. Here, as with most if not all the Tudor fiction I’ve read, the Prince of Wales gets less face time with the reader and though his death is key to the plot, his character is largely overshadowed by the Duke of York.

I really liked what Harper did with Arthur’s death in terms of resolving the circumstances of his demise but I wasn't as thrilled with the story of Elizabeth’s brothers. Harper started out strong, interweaving the two storylines but the finale left me feeling ‘eh.’ Maybe it was too much to tie together. Maybe it was because we never got into our villain’s head or really understood his motivations. Maybe I’m bias in that I am unconsciously comparing Mistress in Mourning to Robin Maxwell’s To the Tower Born. Maybe I just feel the latter solution seemed anticlimactic against the drama of Arthur’s situation. Whatever the reason I think the combined plots were a little too much for Harper to take on.

Finally, I don’t think Harper played the setting to its best advantage. I’ve read books featuring Ludlow before and I’ve seen an author bring this particular setting to life. Guess I’m just a little sad that Harper seemed to let it fall by the way side. Researching is easy; anyone can look up the historic notes on a particular place and time. To my mind, the key in fictionalizing the past is not simply recreating people or events, the same care needs to be taken in re-imagining the world they inhabit. There isn't anything wrong or particularly upsetting in what Harper achieved here, I've just think there is room to improve.

As always I would like to note that I’m harder on historic fiction writers than I am authors of any other genre. They are my favorite storytellers and so I hold them to a slightly higher standard. My commentary here comes off as nitpicky and critical but I really did enjoy Harper’s work and look forward to reading more of it in the future. (less)

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Oct 14, 2012 Linsey rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm only writing a review because I'm disheartened to see so many bad ones. I loooovvvee historical fiction and abhor mysteries. It doesn't read like a who-dun-it, it reads like a historical fiction.
While I could guess where the story was going (and come on, it's historically based, you always know where those are going!) it still held my attention and I loved watching the relationships form around Varina.
And I'm so totally happy to see someone bring Elizabeth of York into the limelight for once...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

As I thoroughly enjoyed Sara Poole's historical mix of truth and fiction in her Borgias novels when I saw Karen Harper's Mistress of Mourning on the shelves in the library it called to me. Whilst, I discovered, this area of history does not hold the same fascination for me I did enjoy the "what if" questions this novel asked while it stayed true to the historical facts already known.

I think anyone with a love of historical fiction would definitely enjoy both the style in which the story is told...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Gayle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: tudor-shelf

Yet another reason why Karen Harper is one of my favorite authors. I loved this book! Not much is written in the time of Henry Vii, so I was very happy to see a book written in the time period. Yes, it is more about Elizabeth of York and her relationship with a female wax candle maker, but Henry VII appears numerous times. This book also reveals a *possible* solution to the Princes in the Tower mystery and the mysterious death of Prince Arthur. All in all, I thought this books was absolutely won...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-fiction, romance

Mother, candle maker, mistress of mourning, friend of the queen and amatuer sleuth: she is Varina Wescott. Varina finds herself in unusual dangerous circumstances in this novel by Karen Harper. Can she find the answers to the mysteries of the royal family in 1501? Never did she imagine what life would be so exciting.

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Oct 18, 2012 Emmalee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Really enjoyed this one, as it's a bit of a different take than a lot of historical fiction. Most historical fiction leaves you in the head of one central character. This one gives you a different perspective. You get most of the storyline from the "waxwoman" instead of a royal.

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Aug 23, 2012 Nan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Wanted to love this book. The characters are intriguing, but the story line seemed a bit contrived. I know Harper does copious research and knows and loves this time period, but it just didn't quite sing to me. I will try again if she writes another book with these characters, as thee is potential there, and I have faith in Harper's writing.

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Sep 05, 2012 Anne Ipsen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-novel

An intriguing story of the reign of Henry VII told in first person from two women's point of view: 'Good' Elizabeth of York (Henry's Queen) and candlemaker, Varina Westcott (the mistress of mourning). Yes it is one more historical novel about English royalty, but I did enjoy it.

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Sep 05, 2012 Chelsea rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have read several of Karen Harper's other works, and enjoyed them all. Her books are well-researched, absorbing and detailed. This one was no different. I like Harper's interpretation of actual historical clues regarding the disappearance of the two princes during the Tudor's rise to power. A thoroughly enjoyable historical novel.

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Nov 26, 2012 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: general-fiction

Loved this story. From a strictly historical view, I think Varina did more than a woman in that time period would have. However, I loved how it explored the two mysteries of Prince Arthur's death, and the two boys in the Tower. And a good romance as well.

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Jan 08, 2013 Pam rated it 2 of 5 stars

I just couldn't give "Mistress of Mourning" three stars. It was good enough to read through, I guess, but not so good that I would recommend. I only connected with the Queen and Varina (the two main characters), very minimally. The story trudged along, and the "suspense" barely rated as suspense at all. The love interest wasn't really that interesting at all - he was just kind of there. I found the historical significance and mystery fascinating, but I just wish that this fictional story held me...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Hafiza rated it 3 of 5 stars

Varina Westcott, a young and beautiful candle maker, is called by Queen Elizabeth of York to carve effigies of her dead child and her two brothers.
Told in first person from the POV of Varina and Elizabeth.
How a commoner like Varina is asked/involved in solving the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, and the possible poisoning of Prince Arthur, is a little/lot far fetched.
Of course Varina has help from a handsome protege of the Queen's, and they fall in love.

An interesting but light tale set in...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Lalla rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is set in the early Tudor years and focuses on Queen Elizabeth the wife of Henry Tudor the seventh. There is still unrest and factions that would return Yorkist leaders to the throne. The herione is a candle maker and in that time, candlemakers helped to bury the dead by producing embalming materials.There is romance as well as a more serious theme of how parents dealt with the death of their children as infant mortality was very high then. As always this author recreates the period an...more

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Nov 01, 2012 Teresa rated it 1 of 5 stars

I gave up on this book very early on when a male character tells a female character he has barely met to call him by his FIRST NAME...in 1501!!!!! I doubt this would happen and it just pulled me right out of the story.

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Apr 12, 2013 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

A well researched possible answer to what happened to the princes in the tower. An inside look at the beginning of the Tudor reign. Also an uncommon friendship between artist and royalty, or maybe not so uncommon.

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Dec 19, 2012 Virginia Winfield rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed. Like to see princess Catherine as more human. Great story.

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Feb 06, 2013 Bettie marked it as lookedinto-decidedagainst · review of another edition

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

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Jan 09, 2013 Valerie Farncomb-johnson rated it 3 of 5 stars

I would like to read more of her books!

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About Karen Harper

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scott...more

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12983030-mistress-of-mourning?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320711357l/12983030.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12983030-mistress-of-mourning?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Mistress of Mourning by Karen Harper[/url]

Mistress of Mourning

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