The Saddest Princess

Tudor Heirs #1

by Leah Toole

"As England's very first queen regnant, I must remember to keep my feminine emotions hidden from my people, and from the world, for nothing said weakness like the tearful blubbering of a woman."
As a girl, Mary had been a disappointment from the moment she was born. Deemed utterly useless to inherit the throne of England, Mary soon learns that despite being born the daughter of a king, nothing in her life would come easily. And when Henry VIII divorces his queen in favour of another, Mary's future takes an uncertain turn. Through lost loves and unbearable grief, Mary fights to hold on to the hope that her life would one day bear some meaning, leading her on a hopeless path to achieve her twisted fate.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Tudor Period, Ebooks, Historical

408 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2023

About the author

Leah Toole is a captivating historical storyteller, bringing the past to life with her vivid narratives and meticulous research. With an educational background in History, English Literature, and English Language, Toole's passion and dedication is clear, and since publishing her debut novel "The Saddest Princess" she has gone on to write several more books on the Tudor era, which have received praise from all over the world. Outside of work, Leah Toole, as a wife and mother of two, enjoys spending time with her family, as well as reading, and maintaining her thriving TikTok platform, where she shares educational and entertaining Tudor history content.

Reviews

[Veronica Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book through tiktok. The saddest princess is a well written book accommodating to the tradgies of princess mary to Queen Mary which gives you empathy but at the same time goes off of court opinions well documented of what others thought of the queens.
I highly recommend this book for a refreshing perspective.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good, although I feel like I’ve read it before, if you know what I mean. I can definitely see the inspiration from various books and shows, and I like it. I really felt sorry for Mary in some parts. Great book!

[Sarah Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Tudor, the eldest of Henry VIII’s three surviving children and plagued with everlasting grief and misfortune. Though this is historical fiction, I felt a significantly heartfelt connection with Mary as well as her mother Katherine Of Aragon. Thank you to Megan for lending me this! I was glued to this book for days.
While Mary does a great disservice to her royal lineage in later life, this imaginative exploration of her former years was packed with sincere emotion. We’re invited to look at her far differently than the history textbooks allow. One can see that the real Mary I must have concealed a deep and troubling dejection throughout her life as the King’s forgotten daughter. Today
she would be diagnosed with a nervous disorder. If only therapy had existed in Tudor times!
Not only were those pivotal years full of strife and neglect at the hands of Henry, but Mary also suffered with what is now understood medically as endometriosis. The poor girl had a rough life and even had a brush with death when she developed a fever and dropsy.
We’re certainly whisked away to every corner of the bustling Tudor court, as we follow Mary’s life in dazzling fiction and during the many chops and changes ( no pun intended) of her father’s volatile reign. From childhood to adulthood, Toole takes us on a steadfast and historical journey, with beautiful writing throughout all of it.
There is no doubt in my mind that the real Henry was a complete swine, but Toole really adds the cherry on top of the Tudor cake. He is written so hideously and wonderfully, so much so that you can’t help but shudder every time you’re before his fictional presence. The story really delves into the moody, mercurial man that he was and the impact this had on Mary.

[Madi Crick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me forever to read this because I started grad school. It was a slow book though, and I didn’t love the writing style. Decided to read it after coming back from London (and being obsessed), but I don’t think I’ll pick up a historical fiction again.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to preface this review by saying I really enjoyed this book and the reading experience more. This was really well researched and shows a clear understand of the events that plagued mary. Its written in a way that people who are novices in the subject can also read with full understanding. That is quite difficult to achieve. The motivations and actions of historical figures are explored and explained well so at no time is the story difficult to understand. The focus on Mary and her illness was really appreciated as its something glossed over a little regarding her life- especially when it would have been a huge overarching issue in all her years. i liked the exploration of who she could have been, the focus on her treatment by men and all round how misunderstood she was. That being said, as a very seasoned history reader, it could have been paced better, have characters with an extra dimension and have shown more of the big years of her life and reign. I think this happened purely because the record for Mary is lesser in info than others and there are so many people eith their own motivations that it takes the light from mary a little if everyone is as fully formed.. I know it is fiction so I'm not critiquing that but certain scenes could have had more nuance rather than being told what is happening through clear dialogue.

[everything.kate.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative and stunning, well researched novel that lets you live the life of Queen Mary the First as that invisible observer that it should. Historical fiction is not meant to be a textbook, Leah Toole does an ASTONISHING job weaving the historic fact and the fiction you want to slide into to escape your reality and into a very different time.

Queen Mary’s life was shaped by her experiences and influences, and the different shifts and tides in religion with Henry’s court. Her mother left her with staunch, deep Catholicism of her family, her father made her a both a pawn for England and his mercurial emotions.
This never deviated for Mary’s life, long after her parents were gone, her life was still was ruled but advisors, fate and religion.

History readers and the history curious, grab a copy and see the full ,robust story of the children and reign of Henry the 8.

Tudor fans, this should be on your NOW READING, get a treat and your imagination whisk you in Leah Toole’s immersive and richly developed world of Queen Mary the First

Long live Queen Mary

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly good read, easy and I finished it in a matter of days. I always sympathise with Mary but this author made me sob for Mary.
Truly memorising

[Plainsboro Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah Toole's "The Saddest Princess" is a captivating portrayal of Mary I, skillfully navigating her tumultuous life with a touching blend of historical accuracy and compelling storytelling. Deserving of 4 out of 5 stars, this novel delves deep into Mary's struggles and triumphs, challenging the misconceptions surrounding her reign. The title itself encapsulates Mary's hardships as the first English queen regnant, steering clear of the typical "Bloody Mary" stereotype. Toole masterfully presents Mary as a victim rather than a villain, shedding light on the abuse she endured on the throne. The novel meticulously utilizes historical evidence to support this perspective, inviting readers to empathize with Mary's plight. However, "The Saddest Princess" may not be suitable for readers lacking background knowledge of Mary or the Tudors. Despite this caveat, Toole's narrative compels readers to understand Mary's complexity, from her birth to her afterlife. Overall, "The Saddest Princess" is a must-read for those intrigued by historical fiction and eager to uncover the truth behind Mary I's legacy. Toole's adept storytelling and commitment to historical accuracy make this novel a compelling and enlightening exploration of a misunderstood queen's life.

Leah Toole's "The Saddest Princess" offers a compelling portrayal of Mary I, challenging stereotypes and presenting her as a victim rather than a villain. Through skillful storytelling and historical accuracy, Toole captures Mary's struggles and triumphs, inviting readers to empathize with her plight. While the novel may not be suitable for those lacking background knowledge of Mary or the Tudors, it is a must-read for anyone intrigued by historical fiction and eager to uncover the truth behind Mary I's legacy.

Tithi Mehta, Grade 9

[Chasity Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saddest Princes Indeed

Ms. Toole did an excellent job recreating the life of Queen Mary I. She was heir to the English throne, yet her father was prepared to break from Rome to get what he wanted. Another wife... one who would bare a son, or so he thought. Mary is shunted to the side, Princess no longer. She lives in fear and loneliness. But once her father then younger brother, by wife number 3, died, Mary found her life beginning, but even Queens can be wrong and life unkind. A remarkable read for any historical enthusiasts.

[Jolene Gettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I'm not that fast of a reader, but I read this in under 2 days.
As a fan of the Tudor History, I couldn't wait to read this book, and was not disappointed.
It was beautifully written, fast-paced and flowed nicely.

History can be dry, but this book was a fun read. If you love the Tudor History, or know nothing about it, I highly recommend.

I can't wait for book 2!!

[may · Rating 1 out of 5]

i do like the author of this book and her content on social media, so i was very excited for this book. however, disappointment came quickly with the prologue. the vilification of queen mary is outdated now and seeing even the people that claim to like her doing this, made me feel awful. according to countless reports, in her death bed, she was peaceful and her conscience clean. the people that she had executed were mainly guilty of treason and many others were executed without her knowledge. i don't think that feeling guilty about this would be her main concern. this part was just horrible. also this quote "there was no lone for this useless baby girl." i mean, really? this could be proven wrong again with countless reports. (ps. katharine of aragon had blue eyes, not dark brown) mary's birth scene was horrendous. henry saying mary is a useless girl was highly inaccurate. i get that this is not a biography book but writing such things while mary's reputation is already unfairly blackened is very unnecessary. "katherine had tried to love her daughter. but no matter how hard she tried, nothing the girl did held any meaning in katherine's eyes." are you kidding me? mind you, mrs toole, the spanish princess isn't historically accurate. writing such line is just so messy. also having mary cursed constantly? this woman didn't know the meaning of whore until she was forty something. i can't even imagine her saying words such as bastard, harlot, whore etc. especially when she used the words bastard when she was nine? now c'mon! throughout the book, the author is obviously influenced by the spanish princess tv show, even though she'd been very critical about the show. there's a pretty word for situations like this :)

and *that* scene with duke philip? even the most passionate mary hater wouldn't write something like this. that was worse than wattpad, worse than ao3.

apart from all of this, the only thing that i've liked about this book is clearly seeing that mary wasn't as forgiving as her mother was. because that's what actually happened. long story short, i was eager to read the other books of this series but i don't think that i'll be reading the rest. i am so very disappointed with this. such a waste.

i won't even acknowledge the birth scene. probably mrs toole is a fan of house of the dragon and wanted to include something from it. otherwise, i don't know what it was. disgusting&disrespectful.

at least there are very few quotes that i enjoyed:
—chapuys shrugged, "it would seem the king himself is struggling to separate the two religions," he said, "and his newest testaments have received mixed reactions from his council. i believe that in his heart he remains a catholic, but he does not wish to be told by anyone whether it be the pope or his best advisor - what he can and cannot do."

—"of all the women in my father's life, i have survived him the longest. and that alone is a great achievement."

—"i survived my father's tyranny for all my thirty-three years. this edward seymour could not scare me if he turned up at my doorstep dressed up as the devil himself."

but again, i am very disappointed.

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im obsessed with anything to do with The Tudors and their history. I have read many things of all the queens of England during the time of Henry the 8th. But to read something of his children and their lives? Its a real change. Im not sure how accurate this story and series will be, but it will be different as it follows each of his kids. I feel for Mary all throughout the story. She had one horror after another thrust upon her. Her mother was stripped of her title. Then, dying. Mary herself being stripped of everything and forced to be a servant. To then be tossed to the side after each betrothal. It's no wonder she turned into the saddest princess. She had no real joy in her life besides her siblings. Every scrap of happiness was torn from her by her father and other men in her life. My heart truly breaks for her. There are so many choices outside of her control. It makes me hate King Henry even more than I already did. This truly is a sad tale of an even sadder princess and queen. And Elizabeth's story isn't much happier. What ruin an egotistical man and King has wrought. Loved this book from start to finish. Though there's no happy ending.

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of Leah’s that I read and I absolutely loved it, it’s definitely one of my favourite books; Mary I is someone who is very often criticised and people only focus on the bad parts of her life/reign and believe ridiculous propaganda made up to slander her. But this book tells her full life story and shows how much she suffered throughout her whole life and how Mary is not half as bad as people make her out to be.

I also love how historically accurate it is (as someone who isn’t really a fan of overly fictionalised books) and how the author has kept to the real story of Queen Mary I - another thing I liked about this book was that at the end it tells you what parts are fiction and what parts were real historical events, so it is not only entertaining but also educational.

I do feel like Mary’s reign was a bit rushed and there could’ve been a better storyline for her fantom pregnancies (especially as it shows she still suffered until the end of her life) but other than that it was perfect.

The way Leah writes her books is also great, especially if your someone who sometimes gets bored reading, she dosent drag on storylines for pages and pages but also includes all the information you need/want. I finished the book in 2 days i just couldn’t put it down!

I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series!!

[Autumn James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saddest Princess was such a good read. I enjoyed reading it and read a little bit every night to prolong it. It was about the life of Queen Mary I. Overall, she lived a long sad life in the patriarchy of her father, King Henry VIII’s reign. She was always used more as a pawn in her father’s game. Never really valued because she was not born a male. And even after his death, she was still effected by his decisions. We’ve all seen her father’s story played out over movies, books and television shows, with his many wives. It was nice to get a glimpse inside Mary’s viewpoint. Because of course she had her own thoughts and emotions. Strong ones at that. Despite her life being sad, she was a strong woman that deserved to reign. This is the perfect read for anyone that enjoys historical fiction.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Leah Toole’s writing! This is her historical fiction book about Mary Tudor, the first living child of King Henri VIII. What a traumatic life she had! Mary was never totally healthy and constantly suffered mentally anguish because of her Father’s back and forth decisions about her legitimacy and his many wives and u forgiving nature. It must have affected her greatly. Then, she finally becomes Queen at age 37 only to be met with more pressure to heal and secure the future England in the Catholic faith AND produce an heir. U can see her mentally decline over her reign. The title The
Saddest Princess is a perfect given her anguish throughout her life, although we will never know if her chronic illnesses and death were truly medical or psychological or both. Very interesting book!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to make it short and sweet - this is a great book for any historical fiction fans. The author really brings the characters to life and makes the emotions within the book come through to the reader. I enjoyed learning about Mary, her life, her relationship with her mother and father, and some of the twisted things she went through. A sign of the times indeed. The book covers a long time period but short chapters and a writing style that allows you to understand and appreciate what is going on makes for a fairly quick finish. Especially if like me, you enjoy this sort of thing anyway.

I look forward to more from this author!

[robyn keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book quite dull and the characters lacked dimension. Philipa Gregory does this kind of historical fiction so much better!!! I wouldn’t bother to read anymore of this author and would run to read 1 of the many, very exciting, lively characters, with dedication to preserving historical facts that Philipa Gregory dead so well. I have read most of her books and they’re so exciting, I ve read most of them multiple times!

[Georgina MacIver · Rating 1 out of 5]

Loosely based on history

A frustrating read. I could forgive a few mistakes but when Anne Boleyn was written to have ice blue eyes... very infuriating and some extremely bizarre decisions. Elizabeth finding out she was Queen in the Tower of London?? Mary not having any feelings for Philip?? Jane grey executed immediately?? Urgh do not recommend

[Erin Woolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad to learn more about Mary Tudor and was surprised by a lot of what I found out. It was interesting to read about Henry and his wives from an outside perspective, it definitely made me think of them differently. Mary Tudor has a very sad life, and it makes me grateful not to have been born in that time.

[Lori Rosenkranz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor grasp of historical detail. It’s like the author watched The Tudors, read a Phillips Gregory book, then sat down and wrote this.

[Read With Grace White · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Of The Many Victims of Henry VIII

Leah Toole's "The Saddest Princess" is a captivating portrayal of Mary I, skillfully navigating her tumultuous life with a touching blend of historical accuracy and compelling storytelling. Deserving of 5 out of 5 stars, this novel delves deep into Mary's struggles and triumphs, challenging the misconceptions surrounding her reign. The title itself encapsulates Mary's hardships as the first English queen regnant, steering clear of the typical "Bloody Mary" stereotype. Toole masterfully presents Mary as a victim rather than a villain, shedding light on the abuse she endured on the throne. The novel meticulously utilizes historical evidence to support this perspective, inviting readers to empathize with Mary's plight. However, "The Saddest Princess" may not be suitable for readers lacking background knowledge of Mary or the Tudors. Despite this caveat, Toole's narrative compels readers to understand Mary's complexity, from her birth to her afterlife. Overall, "The Saddest Princess" is a must-read for those intrigued by historical fiction and eager to uncover the truth behind Mary I's legacy. Through skillful storytelling and historical accuracy, Toole captures Mary's struggles and triumphs, inviting readers to empathize with her. While the novel may not be suitable for those lacking background knowledge of Mary or the Tudors, it is a must-read for anyone intrigued by historical fiction and eager to uncover the truth behind Mary I's legacy.

[steph 🏹 · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think i cried for more than half of the book. i loved it so much ♡

𝒏𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒔
➽──────────────❥
𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓎
this book is about Mary 𝐈's entire life from her birth to her death. you’ll see every moment of her life, with her two closest lady-in-waiting’s, Cecily & Frances (my favourites).

𝒽𝒾𝓈𝓉ℴ𝓇𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝒶𝒸𝒸𝓊𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓎
the author wrote in her authors note that it is a work a fiction, and it’s not 100% historically accurate, written for entertainment purposes.

➺ i would say the book is pretty accurate, with only small inaccuracy’s (such as katherine of aragons hair colour) however it was very interesting nonetheless!

𝓌𝓇𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝓉𝓎𝓁ℯ
i loved the way the book was written, it was so addicting and vivid.

➺ the book is in 3rd person, which normally i don’t like especially for historical fictions buttt i absolutely loved it

𝓂𝓎 𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈
i love how leah toole portrayed Mary 𝐈, as a strong woman just like her mother and her warrior queens of Spain. she truly shows her educated self, her faith, her character and her strength.

➺ today, many people consider her a 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲, which leah toole shows this side of her but also her kind self and her humanity. i like how the author did not automatically consider her a “good” or “bad” princess and queen, she showed both sides of her.

╭──────༺♡༻──────╮
𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 ☆☆☆☆☆
╰──────༺♡༻──────╯

[Rebecca Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

a breathtaking, sad but unforgettable depiction of Mary 1

The detail, the sadness and the utmost disrespect poor Mary had to suffer as she grew up under the reign of king Henry VIII (her father) is the best book I have come to read about the Tudor dynasty and the trials and tribulations Mary had to suffer and go through, the pin and heartbreak she endured from all the loss and wishing her father would just accept her as his heir instead of a useless girl was a steadfast, breathtaking read that I could not put down from start to finish. An amazing read with so much amazing storytelling of the queen the they still talk about today and call (Bloody Mary)

[Navis Medrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saddest Princess is the first book I’ve read that has the history about Queen Mary 1st and what she went thru to finally get to rule England. In the book it tells you about the struggles she had to go thru having her father being King Henry…. How he treated her and her mom.. how he treated Mary once he married Anne Boleyn making her not a princess no more but basically the servant of their daughter Elizabeth the 1st. How people lived during those times was crazy… Marry suffered a lot :( I feel so bad she never got her happy married nor had any kids… :( It’s a really good book everyone should read it!

[Lauren Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Historical Fiction!

I loved every minute of this book, and I can't wait for the next one! I've read other books that mentioned Mary, but this book made you feel like you were walking in her shoes! This story is fills you with the emotions Mary must have felt living her turbulent life. Wonderfully written, I couldn't put it down!!

[Sophie Meulemans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ❤️ this book !
It pulls you in right next to Mary, you can feel her pain her desperation. Het conflict feeling about her father.
It is so well written you cannot put it down and also with blunt statements I really enjoyed and made me laugh.

I do hope Leah is inspired to write another book 📚 but I’m looking forward to it

[Loubna 🤍 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, appart from being very well written it was really entertaining and I loved we were able to have other character’s point of views as well and not just Mary’s. Even though the book is about her it covers many other stories and I particularly enjoyed reading the part about Katherine Howard. I can’t wait for the book about Elizabeth !

[Patti Slaybaugh-Deel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most amazing book I have ever read regarding Mary 1. Leah Toole did an amazing job. She did an amazing Job describing all the good and the bad that came along with Mary's life. I honestly cannot wait to read book #2. Great job Leah.

[Sarah Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is wow! We follow Mary from birth to death and it’s a wild journey. The author of this book you can tell knows her Tudor history! I can’t wait to start on book 2! A must read if you’re a fan of Tudor history!

[Alison Boniface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for those who love historical fiction and especially the Tudors.
Well written a different perspective on events from Mary I point of view. There are times you feel so sorry for her and others that you think she’s quite mad. But I can say I have a new four appreciation for her and that is totally thanks to the author Leah Toole. I literally cannot wait for the next book.
Would definitely recommend if you love history but struggle with the heavier fiction novels. This was just perfect.