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Lives and Loves of the Royals #2
The Queen's Midwife
The moving and atmospheric novel about a young midwife in King Henry VIII's court.
Henry VIII's desperate longing for a male heir, and the dilemma it poses for two of his queens, is seen through the eyes of young Alice, the Queen's midwife.
This fictional biography vividly brings to life the menacing mood in the royal palaces as first Catherine of Aragon, then Anne Boleyn are expected to provide a prince for England.
Alice becomes the confidante of two very different queens, faces the wrath and unpredictability of King Henry VIII, and experiences her own romances and heartache in this gripping tale.
Henry VIII's desperate longing for a male heir, and the dilemma it poses for two of his queens, is seen through the eyes of young Alice, the Queen's midwife.
This fictional biography vividly brings to life the menacing mood in the royal palaces as first Catherine of Aragon, then Anne Boleyn are expected to provide a prince for England.
Alice becomes the confidante of two very different queens, faces the wrath and unpredictability of King Henry VIII, and experiences her own romances and heartache in this gripping tale.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2016
267 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 29, 2017
Positively wonderful
There are many books depicting the Tudor era, but this was very unique in perspective. One gets a view behind the tapestry of history, of kings, queens, and festooned ladies at their most vulnerable. The main protagonist is well formed and one cannot help but like her. The author paints the story vividly, with light and shadow, coming alive with well thought historical account. Her prose is eloquent, almost lyrical, and she uses many words and phrases of that era. This book came together very well and I would recommend it well!
There are many books depicting the Tudor era, but this was very unique in perspective. One gets a view behind the tapestry of history, of kings, queens, and festooned ladies at their most vulnerable. The main protagonist is well formed and one cannot help but like her. The author paints the story vividly, with light and shadow, coming alive with well thought historical account. Her prose is eloquent, almost lyrical, and she uses many words and phrases of that era. This book came together very well and I would recommend it well!
December 4, 2018
Not accurate
Whilst the idea of this novel is great, the execution wasn't. In several parts the history didn't match the story telling. Genders become mixed, events are haphazard in their use and out of recorded chronological dating.
Sorry Me Prole, you really need to do your research regarding actions and dates. This could have been a truly great novel, sadly it isn't. I have other novels by you. I now wonder if I shall bother to read them. I want to, but the above makes me cautious. Must try better.
Whilst the idea of this novel is great, the execution wasn't. In several parts the history didn't match the story telling. Genders become mixed, events are haphazard in their use and out of recorded chronological dating.
Sorry Me Prole, you really need to do your research regarding actions and dates. This could have been a truly great novel, sadly it isn't. I have other novels by you. I now wonder if I shall bother to read them. I want to, but the above makes me cautious. Must try better.
May 6, 2017
Not my favourite book u fortunately. The story was too simple ,and didn't pull me into it quickly enough. That's not to easy others won't like it though. As one who reads a lot of period drama's, I just didn't find it thrilling.
I would suggest reading the blurb to decide first if you think you might want to buy. I would compare it to a Mills and Boon type of style, so if you like that sort of book, you will enjoy thiis
I would suggest reading the blurb to decide first if you think you might want to buy. I would compare it to a Mills and Boon type of style, so if you like that sort of book, you will enjoy thiis
September 16, 2017
I thought the idea of the midwife to the queens would be an awesome subject for a story. However, it seems like the descriptive words in this book were better researched than the time period itself. Wildly inaccurate and the only character depth I saw was the brutality and impudence of King Henry VIII, which would not be his actual character until the period of his life following this book's setting. Couldn't get through the whole thing.
January 4, 2018
Promising Premise...
...Only to be tediously depressing. The story is interesting, but the delivery could have benefited from a great deal less exposition and something to make me interested and invested in the characters.
...Only to be tediously depressing. The story is interesting, but the delivery could have benefited from a great deal less exposition and something to make me interested and invested in the characters.
May 5, 2018
Passive read
Though there were some exciting moments in this book, it was mostly calm. Being the midwife to three of Henry VIII wives was dangerous. Not a lot of research went into this. 16+
Though there were some exciting moments in this book, it was mostly calm. Being the midwife to three of Henry VIII wives was dangerous. Not a lot of research went into this. 16+
February 23, 2021
The Queens Midwife
A great read. It had me fascinated from start to finish. Although fiction it is full of actual facts. As someone who loved historical novels I found this one fascinating
A great read. It had me fascinated from start to finish. Although fiction it is full of actual facts. As someone who loved historical novels I found this one fascinating
July 6, 2017
This is an easy read, but it is entertaining. Another view of Tudor England.
August 31, 2017
Fair story at best. Lacking character development, unfortunately. Could have been a great read but had very little depth. Disappointing.
February 25, 2021
A good read
This book tells the tale of Alice midwife to the Tudor wives of Henry 8th.
It is an easy book to read and enjoyable
This book tells the tale of Alice midwife to the Tudor wives of Henry 8th.
It is an easy book to read and enjoyable
December 17, 2021
Very enjoyable historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural
October 8, 2023
This is the story of Alice midwife to the wife’s of Henry VIII a good balance between fact and fiction and well written
February 22, 2017
Interesting twist to the history behind
Really fast paced side story to the wives of Henry VIII. Interesting point of view from the outsider in several areas and a quick read!
Really fast paced side story to the wives of Henry VIII. Interesting point of view from the outsider in several areas and a quick read!
January 6, 2017
Alice is a young girl of uncertain background, who was placed by her aunt in a noble home, to be a seamstress. Due to her aunt's occupation as a healer, Alice eventually becomes a young midwife in King Henry VIII's court. Henry's wives repeated failures to produce living children gives Alice a number of years of employment.
This is story which explores the reign of King Henry superimposed on Alice's life. It is a unique way to tell both the story of Henry's marital and personal failures and the life of Alice. The ending is a nice twist, which left this reader happy for the main character. I plan to read Book 1 now. Enjoy!
This is story which explores the reign of King Henry superimposed on Alice's life. It is a unique way to tell both the story of Henry's marital and personal failures and the life of Alice. The ending is a nice twist, which left this reader happy for the main character. I plan to read Book 1 now. Enjoy!
February 20, 2017
Disappointed
I wanted to like this book. I thought being from the perspective of the queens midwife I thought it would be interesting. I was disappointed. The author hates King Henry and nothing is written flattering about him. Anyone who has read anything about him will catch all the mistakes. Events are inaccurate. Timing is off. I don't think it was well researched.
I wanted to like this book. I thought being from the perspective of the queens midwife I thought it would be interesting. I was disappointed. The author hates King Henry and nothing is written flattering about him. Anyone who has read anything about him will catch all the mistakes. Events are inaccurate. Timing is off. I don't think it was well researched.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews