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Kathryn in the Court of Six Queens
Her name was Kathryn Chase, sensuous and powerful lady-in-waiting during the scandalous reign of Henry Tudor. She was the friend of Catherine of Aragon, confidante of Anne Boleyn, and lover of John de Gael, sworn enemy of the English crown. As proud King Henry defied the Church to take six very different women as his brides, Kathryn was there to share their sins, secrets, and adventures, and to play her own role in weaving the colorful tapestry of English history.
454 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 20, 2008
Fabulous tale of one woman who served all six queens of Henry VIII. Wow, historical romance doesn't get much better than this. This is the story of the fictional Kathryn Chase descended from Edward IV via the wrong side of the blanket and also related to the Howards, who from a very young girl starts serving Catherine of Aragon, and eventually serving as lady in waiting to all of Henry's queens, thus giving us a wondrous glimpse into the lives of those famous and ill fated queens. Unhappy in her first marriage, Kathryn is attracted to the mysterious, flamboyant and oh so hunky John de Gael of Windsgeat, a duchy with a mysterious heritage and independent of the English Crown. John's family not only adheres to the ancient religions of the forest, there is also a deep dark secret of his family that he keeps from everyone, even his beloved Kathryn.
Throughout, Kathryn is as stubborn and passionate as only a Howard and Plantagenet can be, and we get a fascinating glimpse at the Tudor court and the lives of Henry's queens, and the perpetual ups and downs of surviving court with one's head intact. One thing that sets this book heads and tails above most of the rest of this genre is the up and down relationship between Kathryn and John. Things separated them; they fell in and out of love, married others and loved others until they were reunited in their later years to try to make a working relationship amidst the continuing intrigue and treachery of Henry's court.
All in all, a pretty perfect read. One of my favorite parts was the telling of the reign of Anne of Cleves, there were some seriously laugh out loud moments in those chapters, along with the final 100 or so pages as Catherine Howard fell from grace and Henry married Catherine Parr that were just unputdownable. According to the author's notes at the end of this book there were to be more Windsgeat novels forthcoming, but as far as I can see there isn't anything else published by this author under the name Anne Merton Abbey. I for one, would like to see more of this story as Edward assumes the throne, followed by Mary and Elizabeth.
This book is out of print and from the prices being offered, quite rare. I was lucky to find a copy for $5 US and snapped it up, and I would say it's worth your while to scour the used books stores and the internet with hopes for a better price, unless you're willing to bite the bullet and pay the going rate. A solid five stars, highly recommended.
Throughout, Kathryn is as stubborn and passionate as only a Howard and Plantagenet can be, and we get a fascinating glimpse at the Tudor court and the lives of Henry's queens, and the perpetual ups and downs of surviving court with one's head intact. One thing that sets this book heads and tails above most of the rest of this genre is the up and down relationship between Kathryn and John. Things separated them; they fell in and out of love, married others and loved others until they were reunited in their later years to try to make a working relationship amidst the continuing intrigue and treachery of Henry's court.
All in all, a pretty perfect read. One of my favorite parts was the telling of the reign of Anne of Cleves, there were some seriously laugh out loud moments in those chapters, along with the final 100 or so pages as Catherine Howard fell from grace and Henry married Catherine Parr that were just unputdownable. According to the author's notes at the end of this book there were to be more Windsgeat novels forthcoming, but as far as I can see there isn't anything else published by this author under the name Anne Merton Abbey. I for one, would like to see more of this story as Edward assumes the throne, followed by Mary and Elizabeth.
This book is out of print and from the prices being offered, quite rare. I was lucky to find a copy for $5 US and snapped it up, and I would say it's worth your while to scour the used books stores and the internet with hopes for a better price, unless you're willing to bite the bullet and pay the going rate. A solid five stars, highly recommended.
February 8, 2014
Loved this one! It took me forever to find a beat up old copy that wasn't outrageously priced. No loaning this one out!
Want to read
July 31, 2020When the correct spelling of my name shows up in my recommended...how can I not?
May 20, 2019
If you want a Tudor historical that is four stars, read this book!!!
August 18, 2010
Hands down, my favourite of all the various Tudor novels out there. Smart, drop dead funny, with plenty of historical tidbits, and one of the best couples in HF around. Seriously, who wouldn't fall for John de Gael?
April 17, 2015
This is one of my favorite books ever. The book follows a woman who serves in Henry VIII court through all 6 of his wives. In addition to her story line, I love that the other historical figures are also characters..... you really do feel that this Kathryn did exist.
January 2, 2016
4.25 stars
October 21, 2020
This book is definitely for the historical romance fiction lover. Kathryn Chase, a fictional character set amongst real people in the court of Henry VIII, is a unique woman with ties to the Plantagenet dynasty who must endure endless political intrigues and the machinations of those in power. She watches as women come and go in the King's endless pursuit of a male heir while trying to hold together her own family and find love with a man with a mysterious lineage that the King has deemed off limits.
Starting as a young girl in service to the first queen, the beloved Catherine of Aragon, Kathryn grows up in a strange place and lasts longer than nearly anyone else in Henry's court. She has a unique perspective as she has been witness, first hand, to the King's ever changing mood and the revolving door of those who surround him in their own personal pursuits of power and influence. With this understanding, she is able to offer sound counsel to those who need it while keeping her own head in a time when queens were losing theirs.
As a fan of the history of this particular era, I found this book to be a thoroughly researched read. The family lineages were so detailed, it was a surprise to learn that Kathryn wasn't a real person. I do have a few complaints. As a romance, there were too many scenes that fell short, or weren't written about at all in regards to Kathryn and her lover, John. There were huge gaps of time that were glossed over, so some scenes felt rushed and character development was nonexistent. Lastly, the portrayal of a number of characters, Anne Boleyn, in particular was frustrating. I would have preferred a new take instead of the cliched version.
I still enjoyed the read, but I wish it had been better executed.
Starting as a young girl in service to the first queen, the beloved Catherine of Aragon, Kathryn grows up in a strange place and lasts longer than nearly anyone else in Henry's court. She has a unique perspective as she has been witness, first hand, to the King's ever changing mood and the revolving door of those who surround him in their own personal pursuits of power and influence. With this understanding, she is able to offer sound counsel to those who need it while keeping her own head in a time when queens were losing theirs.
As a fan of the history of this particular era, I found this book to be a thoroughly researched read. The family lineages were so detailed, it was a surprise to learn that Kathryn wasn't a real person. I do have a few complaints. As a romance, there were too many scenes that fell short, or weren't written about at all in regards to Kathryn and her lover, John. There were huge gaps of time that were glossed over, so some scenes felt rushed and character development was nonexistent. Lastly, the portrayal of a number of characters, Anne Boleyn, in particular was frustrating. I would have preferred a new take instead of the cliched version.
I still enjoyed the read, but I wish it had been better executed.
May 17, 2025
I LOVED this! I found it in a free little library and I'm so happy I did, because to buy it anywhere is like $80 . It is definitely one of my favorite novels now!
July 15, 2020
I DESPISE Romance novels and yet I like this one.
I have read all or parts of it at least a dozen times. It’s fiction, but contains a cast of real historical figures and enough real places and events that you will have a better background in English history if you read it.
I’ve loaned this book out several times and then when it was once not returned and I found how difficult it was to replace, I stopped loaning, because I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have it to read when a certain mood strikes me every few years.
In the days pre-internet, I had to stop at each and every used bookstore wherever I traveled to see if there was a sequel/prequel/anything else by this author. Alas, there is not, but I still am hopeful there could be one day.
The only changes I would make would be to flesh out the male lead a bit better so we know him as well as we do Kathryn.
I have read all or parts of it at least a dozen times. It’s fiction, but contains a cast of real historical figures and enough real places and events that you will have a better background in English history if you read it.
I’ve loaned this book out several times and then when it was once not returned and I found how difficult it was to replace, I stopped loaning, because I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have it to read when a certain mood strikes me every few years.
In the days pre-internet, I had to stop at each and every used bookstore wherever I traveled to see if there was a sequel/prequel/anything else by this author. Alas, there is not, but I still am hopeful there could be one day.
The only changes I would make would be to flesh out the male lead a bit better so we know him as well as we do Kathryn.
April 26, 2010
A fun read featuring the fictional Kathryn Chase, who began her stay at court at the age of 6 years old. She first served Katherine of Aragon, and followed as King Henry took six very different wives.
Though I really enjoyed this book, some parts of the book lagged very badly. This book was about 450 pages, which is usually nothing to me, but it took me 10 days to read it. I just found myself bored occasionally and had to switch to something else for awhile.
It was surprising to see Anne of Cleves portrayed as a lover of girls, especially a lover of Katherine Howard. I was reading The Boleyn Wife at the same time, and thought it was interesting that that was portrayed in both books.
Though I really enjoyed this book, some parts of the book lagged very badly. This book was about 450 pages, which is usually nothing to me, but it took me 10 days to read it. I just found myself bored occasionally and had to switch to something else for awhile.
It was surprising to see Anne of Cleves portrayed as a lover of girls, especially a lover of Katherine Howard. I was reading The Boleyn Wife at the same time, and thought it was interesting that that was portrayed in both books.
October 30, 2009
This is an enjoyable romp set during the reign of Henry VIII. The heroine, Kathryn Chase, is fictional, but Abbey does a clever job of inserting her and the other fictional characters into a historical period believably, without messing around much with actual events. The picture she paints of Henry's court is shallow, lacking some of the political machinations I find interesting about the period, but the story is fast-paced, often witty, and fun to read regardless.
June 4, 2018
This was a great read. What a fantastic find. Loved Kathryn and her journey, and the mystical elements. Have never seen the six queens depicted this way. Wish there was more with Queen Elizabeth and Kathryn's daughter. Will seek out the authors other titles.
February 24, 2019
I happened across this book at the library when it was first released. The story stuck with me through the years. Once the internet was established I found this rare prize.
Kathryn manages to survive royal court during Henry VIII life. Skillfully written with interesting details about each wife.
Kathryn manages to survive royal court during Henry VIII life. Skillfully written with interesting details about each wife.
November 8, 2015
I love this book. I've read it over and over several times.
September 14, 2015
I loved this book! It was a fun, well written, captivating read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews