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60th out of 199 books
—
547 voters
The Secret Bride (In The Court of Henry VIII #1)
by
Diane Haeger
For fans of The Tudors comes a captivating drama about the only woman who could defy Henry VIII -and keep her life.
Mary Tudor, the headstrong younger sister of the ruthless King Henry VIII, has always been her brother's favorite-but now she is also an important political bargaining chip. When she is promised to the elderly, ailing King Louis of France, a heartbroken Mary...more
Mary Tudor, the headstrong younger sister of the ruthless King Henry VIII, has always been her brother's favorite-but now she is also an important political bargaining chip. When she is promised to the elderly, ailing King Louis of France, a heartbroken Mary...more
Paperback, 398 pages
Published
April 1st 2008
by NAL Trade
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Loved this book! The against-the-odds love story between Charles Brandon (Henry VIII's friend, but a commoner) and Mary Tudor (Henry's sister, and destined for a European royal marriage) was told simply and easily by the author, but above all, it was told swoonably and romantically. Picturing Henry Cavill from the TV series The Tudors as Brandon was the icing on the cake ;-)
I have yet to figure out why Henry VIII and those that surround his life seem to interest me a great deal. I have become hooked on the show The Tudors and have enjoyed the character of Charles Brandon so to find this story to be about the love between him and Mary Tudor, Princess of England, it was worth a shot.
Haeger is a new author to me but her writing style has left me happy with the book. She trying very hard to incorporate as much history into her tales while still making the story suffici...more
Haeger is a new author to me but her writing style has left me happy with the book. She trying very hard to incorporate as much history into her tales while still making the story suffici...more
A friend lent me this book because she knew how much I loved the Phillippa Gregory books about Tudor England. I know this friend chooses quick easy reads that allow you to escape from everyday life, so this book was about what I expected.
I gave this book a three because it was a quick easy read, and while it wasn't complicated, it did serve it's purpose of entertaining me and satisfied my cravings for more books on Tudor England.
It wasn't nearly as good as Gregory's novels and I felt that the au...more
I gave this book a three because it was a quick easy read, and while it wasn't complicated, it did serve it's purpose of entertaining me and satisfied my cravings for more books on Tudor England.
It wasn't nearly as good as Gregory's novels and I felt that the au...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This book was a different view of Mary Tudor (Henry VIII's sister) and her love for Charles Brandon. Sometimes the story is told through Mary's eyes and sometimes it is Henry or Charles. The switching between characters wasn't really smooth and that's part of the reason I've rated it a 3. In the middle of a chapter, it would switch from one to the other then back again and sometimes I had to read a passage multiple times to discover who was speaking.
I really liked the idea that Mary and Charles...more
I really liked the idea that Mary and Charles...more
A tightly written page-turner book. Couldn't put it down and read it from cover-to-cover in just 2 days. Would have given it 5 stars but I felt the author left out how religious this period of time was. England was a Catholic country at the time of this book and societal taboos were much stricter than what the book let on. Granted, licentiousness occurs in all timer periods, but the Church controlled so much more of society then. This book was written with an almost cavalier attitude about relig...more
I'd been eyeing this book for quite sometime and was super excited to find it online for 99 cents, and with a dollar off coupon...-1 cent. Yes!
I've been searching for a book on Princess Mary, Henry VIII's sister, not daughter, for a very long time. Some people call her the only woman that Henry every truly loved or had mercy on. If their relationship was anything like in this book, I would definitely agree! Anyways, The Secret Bride basically covers Mary Tudor's entire life, but the main focus i...more
I've been searching for a book on Princess Mary, Henry VIII's sister, not daughter, for a very long time. Some people call her the only woman that Henry every truly loved or had mercy on. If their relationship was anything like in this book, I would definitely agree! Anyways, The Secret Bride basically covers Mary Tudor's entire life, but the main focus i...more
This is maybe a four depending on how I feel at the moment. Some parts were a little slow, but overall it was a good historical romance about an often overlooked Tudor princess (Mary, the infamous Henry VIII's little sister) I found it to be a good love story with twists and turns that are mostly true to history. As much as I enjoyed the story, though, I never really came to feel anything for Mary. It wasn't particularly touching. I never felt bond with anyone or anything like that, nothing made...more
Ah, my inner nerd rejoices! This is another great historical novel about someone in the Henry VIII period that I hadn't really considered... his sister. Loved it, such an easy read and an interesting point of view to consider. This would be a great book to try if you don't think that you like historical novels or if you just want to feel like you are reading a smart book about... (I'm embarrassed to admit) romantic love. This book was hard for me to put down, even when I was tired and knew I sho...more
So I thought this book was pretty good.
I mean granted, the writing style was pretty light, and it was definitely escapism, but I enjoyed it. And by the end I started to really really get into it, feeling exactly what the characters were feeling. ALso IT WAS SOOOOO HOTTT!!!!! I was a little angry at *** spoiler*** that Charles never told Mary about him getting down with Margaret. Wha'ere. I also liked how she showed the deterioration of Henry VIII's morality. At first he is a loving brother and h...more
I mean granted, the writing style was pretty light, and it was definitely escapism, but I enjoyed it. And by the end I started to really really get into it, feeling exactly what the characters were feeling. ALso IT WAS SOOOOO HOTTT!!!!! I was a little angry at *** spoiler*** that Charles never told Mary about him getting down with Margaret. Wha'ere. I also liked how she showed the deterioration of Henry VIII's morality. At first he is a loving brother and h...more
I enjoy Tudor based novels as love factual based Tudor history. I thought the author did a good job of using factual evidence and timelines and fleshing out Mary's story - even if it might not be quite accurate! Mary's story is often overlooked and yet as compelling to read as a book on any of Henry's wives. 3 1/2 outta 5! Also it didn't linger on much of the politics of court except the succession to the throne. Many Tudor novels ate filled to the brim with Henry over turning and creating new l...more
In all my fascination with the Tudor courts, I must have forgotten that Henry VIII had a younger sister. Or maybe books that talk about Henry are so concentrated on his different wives they forget to mention her (maybe I should have something more on Catherine of Aragon). I was immediately drawn to a story about someone who could defy the King and get away with it.
I actually really liked Princess Mary. You can tell that the characteristic of getting what they want runs in the family (something...more
I actually really liked Princess Mary. You can tell that the characteristic of getting what they want runs in the family (something...more
The Secret Bride / 978-0-451-22313-5
Here's an excerpt from the opening pages of "Secret Bride". To set the stage, children Mary and Henry have just learned that their brother Arthur is dead. Relative adult (at age 18) Charles Brandon has made an inappropriate smirk as to the likelihood of the widow Katherine being pregnant:
---
"Oh come now," Charles remarked, seeing Mary's expression. "We only hope to put a bit of a brave face on a horrid tragedy."
"And how difficult for you is that?" she asked t...more
Here's an excerpt from the opening pages of "Secret Bride". To set the stage, children Mary and Henry have just learned that their brother Arthur is dead. Relative adult (at age 18) Charles Brandon has made an inappropriate smirk as to the likelihood of the widow Katherine being pregnant:
---
"Oh come now," Charles remarked, seeing Mary's expression. "We only hope to put a bit of a brave face on a horrid tragedy."
"And how difficult for you is that?" she asked t...more
While it was supposed to be a dramatic love story, it never really got there for me. The author tried to tap into the famous "first-we-fought-and-disliked-each-other-but-now-we-are-passionately-in-love" dynamic (or what my husband refers to as the "they-pulled-your-pigtails-because-they-secretly-like-you" phenomenon). Where it works in specific circumstances, Pride and Prejudice for example, it only works because the author successfully depicts what brought the couple from point A to point B. Wh...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Although it wasn't the best Tudor-related book I've ever read, I really liked reading about one of the often-ignored sisters of Henry VIII. I would have rated it a 4, but there were a few details that really wrecked the book.
1. In the beginning of the story, Mary's love interest, Charles Brandon , is portrayed as a rude, sneaky, social climber. This might be an accurate portrayal, I have no idea, but the fact that he is presented in such an unflattering way for the first half of the book makes i...more
1. In the beginning of the story, Mary's love interest, Charles Brandon , is portrayed as a rude, sneaky, social climber. This might be an accurate portrayal, I have no idea, but the fact that he is presented in such an unflattering way for the first half of the book makes i...more
I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick read and my interest was piqued due to catching up on "The Tudors" recently. On that show, Charles Brandon is portrayed by Henry Cavill and he is so ridiculously hot that the lines of reality and history have now blurred, and I enjoyed picturing Cavill as I read about Brandon! It was nice to read some historical fiction about a subject you don't hear much about (the Charles/Mary Tudor romance), there's a lot out there about Henry and the unfortunate Six...more
Jul 16, 2008
Anjanet
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
historical fiction buffs
Shelves:
for-fun
This story of Henry VIII's sister explores a part of the Tudor history not often covered. It delves into the possible personalities of Charles and Mary and portrays the hypothetical romance of their relationship.
Overall, this book did a good job of being believable. The beginning of the book developed Mary's personality and showed the reader the teasing, and sometimes antagonistic, relationship between Mary and Charles. I do wish that the relationship between Mary and her brother was more develo...more
Overall, this book did a good job of being believable. The beginning of the book developed Mary's personality and showed the reader the teasing, and sometimes antagonistic, relationship between Mary and Charles. I do wish that the relationship between Mary and her brother was more develo...more
The story was interesting, after reading so many books where Mary Tudor was only a secondary character, mentioned in passing if mentioned at all. But the writing style was way too flowery for me. It seemed as if the characters were either "good" or "bad" in the author's mind. There didn't seem to be enough duality in the way they were presented. The author seemed determined to give as many happy endings as possible, although anyone who has read anything about Henry VIII knows that for most of hi...more
A historical romance that I really wanted to like, about Mary, the younger sister of Henry VIII and her relationship with Henry VIII's best friend, Charles Brandon. Unfortunately, I found the plot to be too over the top and downright silly in parts, and worst of all, mostly masquerading as smut in fancy dress. Needless to say, I didn't like it at all. Your experience may vary.
The longer review can be found here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Book_T...
The longer review can be found here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Book_T...
History and love scandal. i loved it although it was more of a soap opera then a literary must-read. the book follows the life of Mary, sister of King Henry the eighth, and her desire to follow her heart versus her obligations as royalty. i read this book rather quickly and would recommend it to anyone who just wants an easy/fun read. you might just learn something of King Henry's court, such as he really loved his wife until she disappointed him with her inability to produce a male heir.
When I first started this book, I couldn't imagine that I would be that enthralled in it. While Mary Tudor's story is interesting (as she is one of the only people to test King Henry VIII's wrath and live to tell about it), I had read her story countless times in other books.
But told from her point of view, I was hooked. I couldn't wait to see her and Charles Brandon together. I also really liked that she made Brandon a real person with flaws, as so many other books have made their love a fairy-...more
But told from her point of view, I was hooked. I couldn't wait to see her and Charles Brandon together. I also really liked that she made Brandon a real person with flaws, as so many other books have made their love a fairy-...more
ENGLAND- Henry VIII is crowned. His sister, Mary Tudor, is even more elevated by his favor. He promised her that they could stay together in their childhood, but signed off the beautiful, young, willful, temperamental princess to be married to fifty-two-year-old King Louis of France for an alliance. She left on one condition: when the king died, she would get to marry someone of her own choice. Little did he know that she had a particular someone in mind…
This kept me reading because of the sus...more
This kept me reading because of the sus...more
If you enjoy the Tudor dynasty, you would love this book. This book belongs to Mary, Henry VII's little sister. He adores his sister, more than anyone else. But now that she is of age, he has promised her in marriage to old dying King Louis of France. But before she will go, she makes a deal with the ever mood changing Henry. That when Louis dies, she is free to marry whomever she chooses. What Henry doesn't know, is Mary has secret desires that will turn out to be disastrous, with her relations...more
This book retells the story of Mary Tudor--sister of Henry VIII, Queen of France, and then Duchess of Suffolk. Her life was meant for historical fiction, as she was married for diplomatic reasons to the aging king of France and then incurred her brother's wrath by eloping with his best friend.
Unfortunately, the author here barely scrapes the surface of this juicy tale. The story reads quickly enough, but the characters are too superficial for the reader to care for them. Even Henry VIII gets lit...more
Unfortunately, the author here barely scrapes the surface of this juicy tale. The story reads quickly enough, but the characters are too superficial for the reader to care for them. Even Henry VIII gets lit...more
I struggle with rating books a lot (read: I have a lot of angst about it) - was this better than "Girls of Riyadh" that I just finished? Probably not, but I had different expectations going in to the novels. This was just as fluffy and quick of a read as I expected, and it performed well on that note. There were bits that dragged a bit, though. Having said that, I find Mary Tudor to be a fascinating character, and it was a good story.
Loved the book because it helped me to understand and care about a land, place, and time so different from my own. Couldn't put the book down.
Risque parts make this not a good read for children, but great conversation can be had about the period and circumstances if a parent reads the book and discusses it with their children. The Reader's Guide in the back really helps with discussion topics.
Risque parts make this not a good read for children, but great conversation can be had about the period and circumstances if a parent reads the book and discusses it with their children. The Reader's Guide in the back really helps with discussion topics.
The more stories I read of royal women, the more thankful I am to not be one of them. “Do this. Smile so. Head up. No tears. Marry him. He died; marry him.” To be little more than a bargaining chip in family (ie male) affairs, to feel so out of control of my own destiny…my own body horrifies me. I don’t want to be a princess when I grow up. I want to be a milkmaid. At least no one cares who a milkmaid marries.
This is the first historical novel I have read in long time! Although I didn't feel myself particularly drawn into it, in terms of the level of descriptiveness, it was very easy to read. Having taken no interest in history at school, I found myself enjoying the characters and events of the time. I would definitely read more of this type of book.
Mary Tudor is the sweet, headstrong, willful, stubborn, impetuous, loving, generous, and strikingly beautiful youngest daughter of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York as well as sister to the powerful Henry VIII. She is intrigued by Charles Brandon from an early age and yet inclined to despise him for his vulgar pursuit of women and status.
Charles Brandon is the clever, charming, ambitious, devilishly handsome best friend of Henry VIII since childhood and has pursued women for the sport of it and ma...more
Charles Brandon is the clever, charming, ambitious, devilishly handsome best friend of Henry VIII since childhood and has pursued women for the sport of it and ma...more
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Diane Haeger is the author of four previous historical novels, including The Ruby Ring and My Dearest Cecilia. She lives in California with her husband and family.
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“We shall live with what is, and hope that one of us is clever enough to think of something better. What else can we do?”
—
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Apr 11, 2012 10:53am