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The Golden Widows
Two young women on opposing sides find their lives wrecked by battle...can they be restored by love?
As sister to Warwick the Kingmaker and cousin to the new young
King Edward IV, Kate Neville finds herself on the winning side of the latest bloody battle of the War of the Roses — and under pressure to marry again. Kate’s family want to ensure her new husband will be someone they control, such as the king’s handsome chamberlain, Lord William Hastings, but Kate is refusing. Hastings has a reputation as a womaniser and she wants a man who won’t betray her like her first husband did. But the debonair Hastings is determined to win her heart. Can she thwart her brother’s plans for her?
Elysabeth Woodville is a beautiful young woman, much adored by her husband, Sir John Grey. But when he is killed in battle on the losing side and named as a traitor, his estate is seized by the Yorkists and Elysabeth finds herself penniless and friendless. In her desperate struggle to restore her sons’ inheritance, she finds herself not only kneeling before her enemy but winning his heart. Is she is too proud to become his mistress? Or does the King of England love her enough to ignore his friends’ advice and make her his queen?
In the precarious peace of a bloody civil war, can love heal wounds and
reunite families?
As sister to Warwick the Kingmaker and cousin to the new young
King Edward IV, Kate Neville finds herself on the winning side of the latest bloody battle of the War of the Roses — and under pressure to marry again. Kate’s family want to ensure her new husband will be someone they control, such as the king’s handsome chamberlain, Lord William Hastings, but Kate is refusing. Hastings has a reputation as a womaniser and she wants a man who won’t betray her like her first husband did. But the debonair Hastings is determined to win her heart. Can she thwart her brother’s plans for her?
Elysabeth Woodville is a beautiful young woman, much adored by her husband, Sir John Grey. But when he is killed in battle on the losing side and named as a traitor, his estate is seized by the Yorkists and Elysabeth finds herself penniless and friendless. In her desperate struggle to restore her sons’ inheritance, she finds herself not only kneeling before her enemy but winning his heart. Is she is too proud to become his mistress? Or does the King of England love her enough to ignore his friends’ advice and make her his queen?
In the precarious peace of a bloody civil war, can love heal wounds and
reunite families?
374 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Isolde Martyn
26 books54 followersIsolde has always had a great love of history, and writing historical fiction is a wonderful way to share her enthusiasm.
THE MAIDEN AND THE UNICORN, isolde's debut novel, won a Rita for 'Best First Novel' in the US and the inaugural 'Romantic Book of the Year Award' in Australia. Since then, she has written seven historicals and has just finished an Elizabethan novel .
Isolde has a History Honours degree from the University of Exeter, UK, with a specialization in Yorkist England, a lifelong interest, and she has worked as a university history tutor, research assistant and archivist. She was a senior book editor with a major international publishing house before taking up writing fiction full-time.
She feels community history is very important and she is a former chair of the Richard III Society in Sydney and a co-founder and currently Chair of the Plantagenet History Society of Australia (that's the era 1100--1500)
Her new book COUNTRY TOWN, a history picturebook for children, has been a long term project. It tells the story of an imaginary country town in Australia and how it changes decade by decade, and has been lovingly brought to life by illustrator Louise Hogan.
This is a very different venture from Isolde's historical novels but it's a project that has been chugging along in the background for quite a while. Isolde researched almost every town in Australia for EVENTS AND PLACES. She also edited the READER'S DIGEST MOTORING GUIDE TO AUSTRALIA.
THE MAIDEN AND THE UNICORN, isolde's debut novel, won a Rita for 'Best First Novel' in the US and the inaugural 'Romantic Book of the Year Award' in Australia. Since then, she has written seven historicals and has just finished an Elizabethan novel .
Isolde has a History Honours degree from the University of Exeter, UK, with a specialization in Yorkist England, a lifelong interest, and she has worked as a university history tutor, research assistant and archivist. She was a senior book editor with a major international publishing house before taking up writing fiction full-time.
She feels community history is very important and she is a former chair of the Richard III Society in Sydney and a co-founder and currently Chair of the Plantagenet History Society of Australia (that's the era 1100--1500)
Her new book COUNTRY TOWN, a history picturebook for children, has been a long term project. It tells the story of an imaginary country town in Australia and how it changes decade by decade, and has been lovingly brought to life by illustrator Louise Hogan.
This is a very different venture from Isolde's historical novels but it's a project that has been chugging along in the background for quite a while. Isolde researched almost every town in Australia for EVENTS AND PLACES. She also edited the READER'S DIGEST MOTORING GUIDE TO AUSTRALIA.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 6, 2014
At only eighteen years of age, Kate Neville was nevertheless a young married woman with a beautiful daughter Cecily; her young husband William Bonville was fighting in the battle of the War of the Roses. Living with her mother-in-law Lady Bonville was a chore in itself; Lady Bonville was “Queen of Shute” and had been for many years – her domination of the household and surrounding district was strong. When Will was lost in battle, Kate was desolate…
Elysabeth Woodville loved her husband Sir John Grey; married for ten years, they had two sons, Thomas and Dickon. Tom was a fiery youngster while Dickon was a quieter child who followed his brother everywhere. John’s mother, Lady Ferrers was an angry and bitter woman, who had never approved of her son’s choice of wife. Living in her household meant Elysabeth felt her criticism constantly. When John left for battle, she was desperate for him to return – but his death and subsequent branding as a traitor devastated Elysabeth and her boys. Finding themselves on the outside after her properties and possessions were seized, Elysabeth struggled to keep a roof over her boys’ heads, and food on the table.
As a precarious peace after the civil war spread throughout the villages, the domination of the victor meant Kate was in favour. Her cousin, King Edward IV was only eighteen years old, but his rule was approved by most. On the other hand Elysabeth suffered, which meant her sons did too – Tom lost his title and became remote and surly. While not knowing each other at the time, it seemed that both Kate and Elysabeth were destined to meet. Would both women find happiness in love – would their terrible grief heal?
What an absolutely brilliant historical fiction novel by Aussie author Isolde Martyn. The postscript at the end of the story tells further interesting facts about the lives of the characters back in the mid to late 1400s. Based on fact the historical research by the author is immense. This is my first by this author, and it won’t be my last. I was very fortunate to win an autographed copy of The Golden Widows which I was thrilled about! I have no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending this novel.
Elysabeth Woodville loved her husband Sir John Grey; married for ten years, they had two sons, Thomas and Dickon. Tom was a fiery youngster while Dickon was a quieter child who followed his brother everywhere. John’s mother, Lady Ferrers was an angry and bitter woman, who had never approved of her son’s choice of wife. Living in her household meant Elysabeth felt her criticism constantly. When John left for battle, she was desperate for him to return – but his death and subsequent branding as a traitor devastated Elysabeth and her boys. Finding themselves on the outside after her properties and possessions were seized, Elysabeth struggled to keep a roof over her boys’ heads, and food on the table.
As a precarious peace after the civil war spread throughout the villages, the domination of the victor meant Kate was in favour. Her cousin, King Edward IV was only eighteen years old, but his rule was approved by most. On the other hand Elysabeth suffered, which meant her sons did too – Tom lost his title and became remote and surly. While not knowing each other at the time, it seemed that both Kate and Elysabeth were destined to meet. Would both women find happiness in love – would their terrible grief heal?
What an absolutely brilliant historical fiction novel by Aussie author Isolde Martyn. The postscript at the end of the story tells further interesting facts about the lives of the characters back in the mid to late 1400s. Based on fact the historical research by the author is immense. This is my first by this author, and it won’t be my last. I was very fortunate to win an autographed copy of The Golden Widows which I was thrilled about! I have no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending this novel.
February 7, 2015
The story dealing with two women from opposing camps was a good one. The very famed Elysabeth and the actual story of how she engineered a meeting with the King is a story of legend. Kate on the other hand is on the winning side - a Neville and a young widow to boot, a pawn in the game of politically advantageous marriages and under severe pressure to marry.
Both women need the protection of good men but during such a period of strife in Britain can such men be found. Elysabeth is penniless, fighting for the inheritance for her two sons, dependant totally on family who themselves are poverty stricken and in laws who have thrown her out. She has however the backing of a family who are clever, know when to strike and who know how to take advantage of a situation. In the circumstances her chance meeting with King, throwing her petitions and herself onto his mercy a very chance situation is made into one which is hugely advantageous not just for herself but for her own clan.
Kate though attracted to Hastings is cautious due to his reputation. A handsome, rich man very much the power behind the throne Kate is looking for a husband who is going to be faithful to her and also one who can be entrusted with the guardianship of her daughter's holdings which are huge.. At the present time finding such a man is going to be difficult. Years spent in war, away from home many men find short lived happiness elsewhere. Kate's chance encounter with Lovidia and her discovery subsequently that the husband she thought was faithful to her had had a child with this woman has blasted all thoughts of trust away and now she is finding it difficult to trust again.
How these two women on opposing sides of the fence find love and companionship in troubling times is the story beautifully told of The Golden Widows. Both women are strong, protective of their children and at the same time very young women who are actively hoping to find good men as their partners. Success in marriage keeping love, trust, faithfulness seems difficult if not a hopeless objective at the time. The story proves otherwise.
Loved this story of historical fiction.
Both women need the protection of good men but during such a period of strife in Britain can such men be found. Elysabeth is penniless, fighting for the inheritance for her two sons, dependant totally on family who themselves are poverty stricken and in laws who have thrown her out. She has however the backing of a family who are clever, know when to strike and who know how to take advantage of a situation. In the circumstances her chance meeting with King, throwing her petitions and herself onto his mercy a very chance situation is made into one which is hugely advantageous not just for herself but for her own clan.
Kate though attracted to Hastings is cautious due to his reputation. A handsome, rich man very much the power behind the throne Kate is looking for a husband who is going to be faithful to her and also one who can be entrusted with the guardianship of her daughter's holdings which are huge.. At the present time finding such a man is going to be difficult. Years spent in war, away from home many men find short lived happiness elsewhere. Kate's chance encounter with Lovidia and her discovery subsequently that the husband she thought was faithful to her had had a child with this woman has blasted all thoughts of trust away and now she is finding it difficult to trust again.
How these two women on opposing sides of the fence find love and companionship in troubling times is the story beautifully told of The Golden Widows. Both women are strong, protective of their children and at the same time very young women who are actively hoping to find good men as their partners. Success in marriage keeping love, trust, faithfulness seems difficult if not a hopeless objective at the time. The story proves otherwise.
Loved this story of historical fiction.
August 30, 2014
The Golden Widows by Isolde Martyn was a fantastic piece of historical fiction. Once I started I found it impossible to put down! I love historical fiction that gives me a new perspective on the lives of people I have read about previously. This novel let me look at what Elizabeth of York’s life might have been like BEFORE she met King Edward IV. All of the other novels that I have read that she has been a part of have been about her life when she first met the king or after she met him. They include the romantic way they met and married, and then the books are about her life as a queen, and about her children. It was interesting to read about what her life might have been like with her first husband, Sir John Grey. I had always wondered what her life was like before becoming queen, and I thought it was interesting to see Ms. Martyn’s idea of what her first marriage and life were like. It was also interesting to see what the great Earl of Warwick’s sister’s life was like. I had never read about Kate Neville before this book, but she definitely had an interesting life. Most novels focus on her brother, The Kingmakers life, so it was refreshing to see what another member of his family was doing at the time he was making kings and causing problems between King Edward and his brothers!
I am so glad that I came across this novel on Netgalley, and that they accepted my request to read and review it. I will definitely be looking forward to other novels by Isolde Martyn!
I give this novel a FIVE out of FIVE stars!
I am so glad that I came across this novel on Netgalley, and that they accepted my request to read and review it. I will definitely be looking forward to other novels by Isolde Martyn!
I give this novel a FIVE out of FIVE stars!
August 2, 2014
Loved it! What a great idea to write about Kate Neville, sister to the Kingmaker, and Elizabeth Woodville (although Isolde uses the Elysabeth spelling). The two stories weave around their lives pre each second marriage. And what they endured after their first husbands died in the battles of what we now refer to as the war of the roses, Elizabeth's husband was deemed a traitor after fighting for Lancaster so what she had to do to turn her fortunes around, for her son Tom in particular, was character building, difficult and humbling. When you put this life of hers into perspective you can see why she made the decisions she did when she became queen. And I didn't really know much about Kate. But I loved how Isolde wrote her! She had wit, fire and fun and a meddling, meddling brother! I loved her scenes with the king and with Hastings. Oh Hastings. Loved how Isolde portrayed him. Isolde knows her history and she writes bloody good historical fiction. I'm glad there wasn't a long gap between this and the last (Mistress to the Crown) and I eagerly await the next one.
December 31, 2016
The story of two women, widows during the period of English history known as the war of the Roses - one a Yorkist (Kate Neville, sister of Warwick the Kingmaker) and the other a Lancastrian (Elizabeth Woodville).
The lives of these two women are told in parallel, and the events of the Wars of the Roses are seen through the eyes of these women on opposing sides. Eventually their lives intersect at the crowning of Edward of York as King of England.
Whilst the subject matter was of interest and this book was highly recommended by others, I personally could find no empathy with either character - as such, my focus and my interest wandered, and I forced myself to finish the book.
I struggled with Martyn's earlier work, "The Lady and the Unicorn" and was willing to give the author another go with "The Golden Widows" - but have reached my limit.
The lives of these two women are told in parallel, and the events of the Wars of the Roses are seen through the eyes of these women on opposing sides. Eventually their lives intersect at the crowning of Edward of York as King of England.
Whilst the subject matter was of interest and this book was highly recommended by others, I personally could find no empathy with either character - as such, my focus and my interest wandered, and I forced myself to finish the book.
I struggled with Martyn's earlier work, "The Lady and the Unicorn" and was willing to give the author another go with "The Golden Widows" - but have reached my limit.
October 15, 2014
A nice change to see the female view on the War of the Roses.
May 4, 2024
This is another brilliant book in the series. I've read them all. This book talks about the life of Lady Elizabeth Woodville and Lady Kate Neville. The period is when King Edward IV has won the throne, which leaves poor Elizabeth very poorly off. Her mother in law marries again and Elizabeth is struggling to get the rights to the Harrington lands and title for her son. Then Edward IV falls madly in love with her. Martyn captures the period beautifully. You feel like you're in the book, she's such a good writer. I couldn't put this down but that's how I feel about all of Martyn's books.
October 16, 2022
I loved this book …. Because I never read something about Kate Neville sister of Warwick.
The story of 2 woman at opposite sites and still their fate was so entwined…
The story of 2 woman at opposite sites and still their fate was so entwined…
October 8, 2015
3.5 stars
*I wish to thank Goodreads and the publisher, Harlequin Australia, for a copy of this book, which I won in a giveaway.
It is a pleasure to read a book about British history and a topic I have been interested in for a number of years, the War of the Roses written by an Australian author. The Golden Widows is a historical fiction fused with romance novel that brings together the stories to two high profile female players in the famous War of the Roses. The first of these two women on opposite sides of the civil war is Kate Neville, sister of the famous Warwick “the Kingmaker” who finds that her family are using her need for a husband as a pawn in the struggle for power. Kate’s story is juxtaposed with Elysabeth Woodville’s, a woman of famed great beauty who finds herself widowed, penniless and turning to the enemy. In this time of great upheaval in Britain, both these women must face questions of love and family loyalty.
What struck me about this book was that it was clear that Isolde Martyn is well versed in her knowledge of the War of the Roses era. Although I have read books in the past about the era and a book that also focused on Elysabeth Woodville, I still felt informed. The decision to base the story from the female perspective was also appealing to me as a reader. I enjoyed the narrative style of the book. It gave the reader an opportunity to discover the personal thoughts and feelings of the women players in this bloody chapter on history. The romance side of the novel was engaging and kept the pages flowing nicely. Overall, I believe the book achieved the right balance between factual detail of the era and historical fiction.
In summary, The Golden Widows was an engaging read, which continued to whet my appetite about the War of the Roses. It offers the reader a fresh set of eyes on the great events of the era through the eyes of two well characterised young women, in Kate Neville and Elysabeth Woodville. Isolde Martyn is an author I look forward to hearing more from in the future. In the meantime, I am seeking out her previous historical fiction novel, Mistress to the Crown.
*I wish to thank Goodreads and the publisher, Harlequin Australia, for a copy of this book, which I won in a giveaway.
It is a pleasure to read a book about British history and a topic I have been interested in for a number of years, the War of the Roses written by an Australian author. The Golden Widows is a historical fiction fused with romance novel that brings together the stories to two high profile female players in the famous War of the Roses. The first of these two women on opposite sides of the civil war is Kate Neville, sister of the famous Warwick “the Kingmaker” who finds that her family are using her need for a husband as a pawn in the struggle for power. Kate’s story is juxtaposed with Elysabeth Woodville’s, a woman of famed great beauty who finds herself widowed, penniless and turning to the enemy. In this time of great upheaval in Britain, both these women must face questions of love and family loyalty.
What struck me about this book was that it was clear that Isolde Martyn is well versed in her knowledge of the War of the Roses era. Although I have read books in the past about the era and a book that also focused on Elysabeth Woodville, I still felt informed. The decision to base the story from the female perspective was also appealing to me as a reader. I enjoyed the narrative style of the book. It gave the reader an opportunity to discover the personal thoughts and feelings of the women players in this bloody chapter on history. The romance side of the novel was engaging and kept the pages flowing nicely. Overall, I believe the book achieved the right balance between factual detail of the era and historical fiction.
In summary, The Golden Widows was an engaging read, which continued to whet my appetite about the War of the Roses. It offers the reader a fresh set of eyes on the great events of the era through the eyes of two well characterised young women, in Kate Neville and Elysabeth Woodville. Isolde Martyn is an author I look forward to hearing more from in the future. In the meantime, I am seeking out her previous historical fiction novel, Mistress to the Crown.
May 3, 2015
I received a copy of The Golden Widows from the publisher through the Goodreads giveaway. (Thank you!)
I haven't read much historical fiction - aside from what Phillippa Gregory has written - so The Golden Widows felt like new territory to me. As someone who has practically no knowledge of British history, The Golden Widows was difficult to start and keep up (it took me several months to finish, but that's a fault of mine, not the book's), but closer to the end, I enjoyed it. This was especially after I did a quick Wikipedia read about Elizabeth Woodville and Kate Neville - I felt like when I learned about their futures and their significance in the dynastic wars, did I feel they were part of something greater, which led me to be more interested about the conclusion of the book.
I really enjoyed Kate Neville's narrative - not only for its depth and exploration of her character, her innermost feelings and her emotional conflict, but also because of the consistent pacing of her character and story development. In contrast, Elizabeth's narrative focuses largely on her struggles as a woman situated on the opposing end of the war. Both narratives offer interesting and relevant insights to what it was like to be a woman during these times, especially how women were used as pawns in your family's struggle for power, status or survival.
The book was well-written, and I liked how Martyn fleshes out the characters, especially Hastings, Tom and Kate. Admittedly, my rating of this book is largely because of my illiteracy in British history, and so I could not appreciate this book more - needless to say, that's of my own fault, not of Martyn's. However, this book has certainly piqued my interest in British history, especially about the women in British history. All in all, if you're interested in British history, especially the War of the Roses, I recommend this book.
Rating: 3/5
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Review can also be found on my book blog, Read, Think, Ponder!
I haven't read much historical fiction - aside from what Phillippa Gregory has written - so The Golden Widows felt like new territory to me. As someone who has practically no knowledge of British history, The Golden Widows was difficult to start and keep up (it took me several months to finish, but that's a fault of mine, not the book's), but closer to the end, I enjoyed it. This was especially after I did a quick Wikipedia read about Elizabeth Woodville and Kate Neville - I felt like when I learned about their futures and their significance in the dynastic wars, did I feel they were part of something greater, which led me to be more interested about the conclusion of the book.
I really enjoyed Kate Neville's narrative - not only for its depth and exploration of her character, her innermost feelings and her emotional conflict, but also because of the consistent pacing of her character and story development. In contrast, Elizabeth's narrative focuses largely on her struggles as a woman situated on the opposing end of the war. Both narratives offer interesting and relevant insights to what it was like to be a woman during these times, especially how women were used as pawns in your family's struggle for power, status or survival.
The book was well-written, and I liked how Martyn fleshes out the characters, especially Hastings, Tom and Kate. Admittedly, my rating of this book is largely because of my illiteracy in British history, and so I could not appreciate this book more - needless to say, that's of my own fault, not of Martyn's. However, this book has certainly piqued my interest in British history, especially about the women in British history. All in all, if you're interested in British history, especially the War of the Roses, I recommend this book.
Rating: 3/5
-
Review can also be found on my book blog, Read, Think, Ponder!
August 18, 2014
I was introduced to Isolde Martyn with Mistress to the Crown, which I enjoyed and her latest novel The Golden Widows, even more so. I seriously can't get enough of the historical players in the War of the Roses, whilst I'm well-read on the history, Isolde Martyn's uniquely fascinating perspective made for a refreshing read.
The story sashays back and forth between Yorkist widow Kate Neville (cousin to King Edward IV and sister to the influential Richard Neville, known in history as Warwick the Kingmaker) and Lancastrian widow Elysabeth Woodville. Isolde Martyn's attention to detail ensures both women are entirely accessible and equally captivating.
Elysabeth and Kate are strong, intelligent, passionate women, protective of their children. The Golden Widows explores their struggles, tears and triumphs, the fight to claim a widow's dower, reverse attainders, regain a child's inheritance and pursue happiness.
I just love Elysabeth Woodville's story, yup I'm totally a White Queen fan and I also really enjoyed seeing the relationship blossom between Kate Neville and William Hastings, the King's chamberlain.
An interesting aside, it took me a little while to work out where Katherine Neville, Duchess of Norfolk sat in the scheme of things ... Aunt to Katherine (Kate) Neville, Baroness Hastings (just in case you're the slightest bit interested lol.) The Duchess of Norfolk's fourth and last marriage was to John Woodville, brother of Elizabeth Woodville ... their marriage earned the nickname the "diabolical marriage" - HA wonder if that had anything to do with the 'scandalous' age difference - John at 19 and Katherine 65.
The Golden Widows is a believable blending of historical fact and embellishment, a good fix for War of the Roses insatiables and historical fiction fans. My only complaint, I didn't want it to end.
The story sashays back and forth between Yorkist widow Kate Neville (cousin to King Edward IV and sister to the influential Richard Neville, known in history as Warwick the Kingmaker) and Lancastrian widow Elysabeth Woodville. Isolde Martyn's attention to detail ensures both women are entirely accessible and equally captivating.
Elysabeth and Kate are strong, intelligent, passionate women, protective of their children. The Golden Widows explores their struggles, tears and triumphs, the fight to claim a widow's dower, reverse attainders, regain a child's inheritance and pursue happiness.
I just love Elysabeth Woodville's story, yup I'm totally a White Queen fan and I also really enjoyed seeing the relationship blossom between Kate Neville and William Hastings, the King's chamberlain.
An interesting aside, it took me a little while to work out where Katherine Neville, Duchess of Norfolk sat in the scheme of things ... Aunt to Katherine (Kate) Neville, Baroness Hastings (just in case you're the slightest bit interested lol.) The Duchess of Norfolk's fourth and last marriage was to John Woodville, brother of Elizabeth Woodville ... their marriage earned the nickname the "diabolical marriage" - HA wonder if that had anything to do with the 'scandalous' age difference - John at 19 and Katherine 65.
The Golden Widows is a believable blending of historical fact and embellishment, a good fix for War of the Roses insatiables and historical fiction fans. My only complaint, I didn't want it to end.
September 19, 2014
3.5 stars
I’m a bit partial to the War of the Roses/Tudor era, so I was keen to get stuck into this one … it didn’t disappoint. Like Mistress to the Crown, this novel is well-researched and engaging, particularly with the insights to life at the time. What really stands out is the description of what it was like to be a woman at this time. No matter how intelligent, how resourceful, women were still expected to marry and produce heirs in order to advance their family – they were pawns in families’ quests to make their mark in an uneasy world. I’d read a few books featuring Elysabeth Woodville and this one showed a different side to her; I hadn’t read anything about Kate Neville and it was refreshing to discover a new historical character. Martyn has a knack for writing historical fiction that has blends fact and romance in an enticing manner and I’m looking forward to more from her.
I’m a bit partial to the War of the Roses/Tudor era, so I was keen to get stuck into this one … it didn’t disappoint. Like Mistress to the Crown, this novel is well-researched and engaging, particularly with the insights to life at the time. What really stands out is the description of what it was like to be a woman at this time. No matter how intelligent, how resourceful, women were still expected to marry and produce heirs in order to advance their family – they were pawns in families’ quests to make their mark in an uneasy world. I’d read a few books featuring Elysabeth Woodville and this one showed a different side to her; I hadn’t read anything about Kate Neville and it was refreshing to discover a new historical character. Martyn has a knack for writing historical fiction that has blends fact and romance in an enticing manner and I’m looking forward to more from her.
September 6, 2015
I have read a lot of nonfiction about this era,'the wars of the roses', so am familiar with the two main characters. It is a delight to have them come to life on the page with the imagined details of their personal lives as young women from opposite sides politically and the challenges they face to make lives for themselves after being widowed. Life sounds incredibly complicated and dangerous for women of the time, and makes me think I would have failed to survive within such strictures, not being high-born, wealthy, well-connected, shrewd, beautiful or even very lucky. With all of their gifts these women's lives were still very hard before they remarried, so the lives of ordinary women must have been all but unbearable.
August 19, 2014
I was given this book by the publisher. It is some considerable time since I have read an historical romance. I did enjoy this. The characters were believable and the situation interesting. It must have been an horrific time to be a woman - really the only way to get anything was through looks and marriage. The author does a good job of placing in this time and giving historical detail without bogging down the story.
January 8, 2015
I was really looking forward to this book as I love Isolde's writing style. Unfortunately, there just was not sufficient substance to this story to hold my interest throughout. And to be brutally honest, I prefer Isolde's earlier novels - this new 'historical fiction' route is not to my liking. It is far too restrictive and leaves no scope for exciting story lines, such as in 'The Silver Bride'.
January 24, 2015
This a great story really well written and I fell into it from the first page I loved learning about the lives of past Kings and their advisers and their Ladies and how it was to live in these times. Loved reading about Elysabeth and Kate and what they went through to find love.
February 7, 2016
The book is slow to get into (and for someone who doesn't know a lot about English history, there were a lot of names and details to keep track of!), and the ending felt much faster (almost rushed) in comparison.
May 16, 2025
5⭐️ Meryl Bookclub 2026 ✅
Historical fiction - exceptional example
Time period: wars of roses
Players: Kate Neville Elizabeth Woodville, Edward IV, William Hastings, Baron
Well written, occasionally a bit modern in prose but stirring tale
Historical fiction - exceptional example
Time period: wars of roses
Players: Kate Neville Elizabeth Woodville, Edward IV, William Hastings, Baron
Well written, occasionally a bit modern in prose but stirring tale
September 8, 2014
This book is a great read. If you like reading of lives of women & men in early times.
October 13, 2014
This is a beautiful book. Well crafted, historically believable, endearing plot. It inspires me to read more from this author.
February 28, 2016
I just couldn't get into this book to start with. It was pretty slow and I just didn't find it overly interesting to start with. It started to get better but then the ending seemed very rushed.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews