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The Path to Somerset

(The Seymour Saga #2)

Janet Ambrosi Wertman (Goodreads Author)

4.38 · Rating details · 82 ratings · 23 reviews

After the tragic romance of Jane the Quene, the second book in The Seymour Saga trilogy, The Path to Somerset, takes a dark turn through an era in which King Henry VIII descends into cynicism, suspicion and fits of madness – and in which mistakes mean death.

Edward Seymour’s future is uncertain. Although his sister Jane bore Henry the son he’d sought for twenty years, whe ...more

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Kindle Edition, 379 pages

Published August 24th 2018

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Historical Novel Society--Historical Fiction By Southern California Authors

71 books — 11 voters

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

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Sep 18, 2019 Erin rated it really liked it

Shelves: historic-fiction-1500s

Find this and other reviews at: https://historicalfictionreader.blogs...

Forget all you know - or think you know - about Tudor fiction, because Janet Wertman’s The Path to Somerset is like nothing else on the market.

Picking up in the wake of Jane’s death, book two of The Seymour Saga chronicles the rivalry between Edward Seymour and Bishop Stephen Gardiner as they vie for the favor of a king enslaved by his own grief, ambition, and failing health. A thematically layered narrative, The Path to
Som ...more

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Jan 31, 2019 Juliew. rated it really liked it

Shelves: tudor, historical-fiction

Actually really sorry I had to start with the second book in this series.I definitely would have liked to begin with the first book in this intelligent,fact based series had I been able to come up with it.Nevertheless this was an account of Edward Seymour's life after the death of his sister Jane and also one of the more truthful historical fictions I have read about the Seymour family.I really agreed with the author's portrayal of Edward and the in order timeline of the story.I thought it was a ...more

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Jul 30, 2019 Linda Root rated it it was amazing

I reviewed the first novel in Janet Wertman’s Seymour Saga, Jane the Quene, for the Review blog in 2017 and was impressed by its unique view of Henry VIII’s third queen, yet one rendered with a high degree of historical accuracy. Most books written about Jane Seymour, be they fiction or history, tend to be more about Anne Boleyn than the woman who replaced her. History has labeled Anne as an exciting woman in an era populated by colorful personalities, while even Jane’s contemporaries referred t I reviewed the first novel in Janet Wertman’s Seymour Saga, Jane the Quene, for the Review blog in 2017 and was impressed by its unique view of Henry VIII’s third queen, yet one rendered with a high degree of historical accuracy. Most books written about Jane Seymour, be they fiction or history, tend to be more about Anne Boleyn than the woman who replaced her. History has labeled Anne as an exciting woman in an era populated by colorful personalities, while even Jane’s contemporaries referred to her as ‘the king’s mouse.’ Thus, I was surprised to find Wertman’s Jane far less dull than the queen of my imagination. There was no question I would read the next installment of the sage. When I was in high school, I saw the film Young Bess, which launched me on a lifetime avocation of Tudor-Stuart scholarship. I had intended to download the second segment as soon as it was published, but fortunately won a paperback copy in a random drawing.
The Path to Somerset traces the rise of the dead queen’s brother Edward beginning three years after the death of his sister of puerperal fever after giving the king the prince he so desired. The segment ends when Henry Tudor himself dies and Somerset’s prepubescent nephew becomes King of England. It is beautifully told by a large caste of characters both friendly and hostile to the Reformist Seymours. The first pages set the stage for controversies not entirely religious in nature: while it was dangerous, even deadly, to be too progressive in one’s religious views, being a low born man who had risen too high was every bit as perilous. The conservative Catholic remnant of the clergy and the blue-blooded principal peers had no love for the Wolseys and the Cromwells who had crowded the king’s inner circle and sometimes surpassed them in Henry’s favor. Being the uncle of the heir apparent did not make the Seymour brothers Edward and Thomas welcome. While they were not of common stock like Wolsey, the son of a butcher, or that of a blacksmith like Tom Cromwell, Seymour’s father was a mere knight and no match for the likes of the Duke Norfolk and the rest of the Howards. Ms. Wertman frames the obstacles facing Seymour by treating us to the conspiracies and dialogs between a colorful cast of characters few of whom placed faith or honor above personal gain. She avoids the pitfall of swallowing all contemporary sources whole and relies on her own ingenuity and resources. Most readers will appreciate her blend of contemporary style with historical accuracy and expertise. For example, her word portrait of Edward’s wife Anne Stanhope is much more sympathetic than the norm. While the story ends in a satisfactory fashion, through Seymour’s nemesis Bishop Gardner’s thoughts, we are reminded we are visiting an age where one day’s victor is the next day’s vanquished. Thus, readers leave the final pages of volume two knowing there is more to come. I, for one, am impatient.
I confess to being an author of historical fiction and a frequent reviewer of offerings from that genre. Authors are often ego-driven characters who can be harsh critics. I thus admit to being a tad jealous of what is close to a perfect work of historical fiction. I highly recommend this book. I do not recall having read as fine a historical novel in a long, long time.
...more

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Oct 23, 2020 Rajiv rated it really liked it

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The Path to Somerset is a compelling continuation of treachery, trouble, and tension of the Tudor Era.

The story turned out to be much darker than the previous book. The main thing that stood out is the power play between Edward/Cromwell and Norfolk/Gardiner. The prior want to reform the religious practices while the latter wants to conserve it.

Edward is magnetic in the role as he tries to get Henry to take his side over Norfolk. ...more

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Feb 07, 2019 Heidi Malagisi rated it it was amazing

Edward Seymour, the brother of Thomas and Jane Seymour, as well as the uncle of Edward VI. Many people remember him for his role as Lord Protector to his nephew as well as his role in the execution of his brother Thomas. That, however, is only a small snapshot into the life of an interesting man. His life after his sister Jane died and before he became the 1st Duke of Somerset was one of twists and turns. Nothing was safe for the brother of Henry VIII’s most beloved wife, especially when it came Edward Seymour, the brother of Thomas and Jane Seymour, as well as the uncle of Edward VI. Many people remember him for his role as Lord Protector to his nephew as well as his role in the execution of his brother Thomas. That, however, is only a small snapshot into the life of an interesting man. His life after his sister Jane died and before he became the 1st Duke of Somerset was one of twists and turns. Nothing was safe for the brother of Henry VIII’s most beloved wife, especially when it came to dealing with his enemy at court, Bishop Stephen Gardiner. This is the time period that Janet Wertman has decided to explore in her latest book, “The Path to Somerset”, the second book in her Seymour saga (The first book of the Seymour saga is called “Jane the Quene”).

I would like to thank Janet Wertman for sending me an advance review copy of “The Path to Somerset”. This is my first time reading a Janet Wertman book and I must say that it was a joy to read. I am familiar with some aspects of the Seymour family, like Jane and Thomas, but Edward Seymour is one of those people who I have wanted to read more about for quite a while. From the books that I have read, Edward seemed like a cruel person when it came to his brother. That is not how he is portrayed in this book. In fact, Edward Seymour is a loving and caring husband who only wants to do what he believes is best for his King, Henry VIII. He tries to navigate the ever changing political scene, the religious dilemma, as well as Henry’s three wives, all while trying to stay alive.

His family and friends were always there to support him, especially his beloved wife Anne Stanhope and his brother Thomas, or “Tom” in this book. Anne has always been one of those women from this period that I never really liked, but in this book, she is very likable. Henry VIII himself is a sick man, full of pain and regrets of his past. He is a loving family man who misses Jane terribly and tries to fill the void in his heart while trying to keep control of his country. Bishop Stephen Gardiner tries to pursue a way to get on the King’s good side using some very underhanded methods.

Janet Wertman is able to bring to life this tumultuous rivalry between Gardiner and Seymour in such a way that you can understand both sides. Two men fighting for the control of King Henry VIII, and later King Edward VI, but only one man can come out on top. This book was a fantastic read. It was very engaging and intriguing. It gave me a different perspective on Edward Seymour and the people who surrounded him during this time. Janet Wertman does a fantastic job navigating this complex political landscape to show Edward Seymour in a new light. This may be my first time reading a book by Janet Wertman, but this will not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and I look forward to reading more books by her. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the Seymour family or the last years of Henry VIII’s life. ...more

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Feb 26, 2019 Mary Milner rated it it was amazing

Well done

The author knows this period well, and she keeps to historical facts as she crafts the facts into a riveting piece of historical fiction.

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Sep 04, 2018 Karen Hackett rated it it was amazing

Excellent book!

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Aug 25, 2018 Jessica rated it it was amazing

Read It

I can sum it up in just two words: read it. It's lengthy, but worth it (though I do cede some sections are more accurately called "page turners" than others). ...more

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Aug 21, 2019 Janet Wertman rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

Shelves: tudors-medieval

Yes, yes, this is my own book that I just awarded five stars. But this is the only way to get the book to show up on my bookshelf, and then to see when other new people review it. Besides, we're coming up on its Book Birthday and I wanted to show it some love! ...more

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Aug 24, 2018 Rebecca Larson rated it it was amazing

The Path to Somerset is the second book in the Seymour saga by Janet Wertman – her first book was on Jane Seymour, called Jane the Quene. This book covers the career of Edward Seymour starting in March 1539. Queen Jane has been dead for a year and a half and the Henry VIII is considering a foreign bride.

Wertman was very generous and sent me an advance review copy. Here is a blurb about the book from Wertman’s website (janetwertman.com):

After the tragic romance of Jane the Quene, the second book ...more

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Sep 28, 2019 Mercedes Rochelle rated it really liked it

Author Janet Wertman has given us a different view of Edward Seymour than I had in my head—and with good reason. This book covers the younger Edward while he was still developing into the hardened self-serving Lord Protector we come to distrust in his later years. At first, Edward seems blameless in the midst of the terrible infighting that permeated Henry VIII’s court. Apparently everybody was motivated by the best way to take down his enemy: Bishop Gardiner against Archbishop Cranmer, Gardiner ...more

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Nov 08, 2019 Nikkolle Fuscaldo rated it it was amazing

Loved it

I absolutely love this book. It was written so that you absolutely feel like you were in the room watching these events take place. Also I found myself not hating Edward Seymour! Cannot wait to read the third in the trilogy.

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Jan 25, 2019 gj indieBRAG rated it it was amazing

Shelves: b-r-a-g-medallion-books

We are proud to announce that THE PATH TO SOMERSET (The Seymour Saga #2) by Janet Ambrosi Wertman is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!

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Sep 29, 2018 Dayanara Ryelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed

I'm going to keep this short and sweet:

The only thing equal to finding out you're related to the monarchy is reading a good book about your family. <3 ...more

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Jul 19, 2018 Susan Abernethy rated it really liked it

Link to my review of this book:

https://flhwnotesandreviews.com/2018/... ...more

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Nov 02, 2019 Steph Warren rated it really liked it

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Well, considering that this is a historical novel and I therefore know how it ends for the main characters, this was one of the most nerve-wracking books I have ever read! How everyone in Henry’s reign didn’t suffer from perpetual stomach ulcers and nervous tics, I have no idea!

The story follows the opposing characters of Edward Seymour, brother to Jane of Jane the Quene, and clerg ...more

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Jul 24, 2020 Mary Louise rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-read-in-2020-challenger, summer-reading-2020

Sadly, I had to dock the book one star for some glaring editing errors which should have been caught before the book went to press. Catherine Howard was Princess Mary's step-mother NOT her mother-in-law. How can Catherine Howard be seventeen from 1539 to 1542? Margaret Pole was not Henry VIII's aunt as described in the story but his First Cousin Once removed being his mother, Elizabeth of York's First Cousin through their father's, George, Duke of Clarence and King Edward IV, respectively.

Other Sadly, I had to dock the book one star for some glaring editing errors which should have been caught before the book went to press. Catherine Howard was Princess Mary's step-mother NOT her mother-in-law. How can Catherine Howard be seventeen from 1539 to 1542? Margaret Pole was not Henry VIII's aunt as described in the story but his First Cousin Once removed being his mother, Elizabeth of York's First Cousin through their father's, George, Duke of Clarence and King Edward IV, respectively.

Otherwise, the book was a gripping read. One that I enjoyed immensely. I particularly liked Wertman's characterization of Edward Seymour (who is usually portrayed as a cold heartless man in much of Historical Fiction). Her depiction of his relationship with his wife, Anne Stanhope and how genuinely close they were was gratifying. It was nice seeing that contrasted up against Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, who we develop an understanding of as the book progresses. He is very much Norfolk's toady. Who, incidentally, is written as what he was: A Survivor. But both cleric and the Premiere Duke of England do what they have to survive in the English Court as well as Edward Seymour and his friends.

Wertman said that she wanted to write a Historically Accurate story instead of villainizing one character to prop up another as one so commonly sees in Historical Fiction. She certainly does! This reader is VERY THANKFUL that she did! FINALLY, someone writes about the friendship between Princess Mary and the Hertfords! (Historically, Mary referred to Anne Stanhope as her 'Good Gossip Nan'. Despite their religious differences the women were great friends!) It is refreshing to see a historically accurate depiction of the future Queen Mary I in a novel.

I cannot say enough good things about her portrayal of Henry's last three wives- as a student of Tudor History for as long as Ms. Wertman- I applaud her for getting them all 'right'! She has clearly done her homework and, once again, the desire to portray them *HISTORICALLY ACCURATELY* shines through.

Wertman, like Adrienne Dillard, is a refreshing new addition and voice to Tudor Historical Fiction. I am looking forward to the final book in her Seymour Trilogy, The Boy King.

The Path to Somerset, along with its prequel, Jane the Quene have places on my keeper shelf.

Thank you for an engaging and gripping read! ...more

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Aug 02, 2020 Kara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: tudor-fiction, tudor-wife-3, tudor-wife-4, tudor-wife-5, tudor-wife-6

Flipping back and forth between the POV's of Edward Seymour and Bishop Gardenier, we see the Protestant and Catholic factions of the later years of Henry VIII's court fight like dogs for every scrap of power, while Henry leans back and occasionally prods them, manipulating both sides into fighting each other for his own amusement - and also because, he might be crazy and violent, but he's not stupid - two groups fighting each other means they aren't teaming up to take on the despot together.

Fasc ...more

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Jan 19, 2020 Cynthia rated it really liked it

Edward Seymour succeeds in spite of himself. Mr. Wertman indicates Edward is not very confident in his standing at court in spite of his being brother to the late Queen Jane.
King Henry VIII calls Edward his brother and relies upon Edward for advice.
I like reading historical fiction by different authors since they write a different point of view.
The one person I have not heard much about is Bishop Gardiner, who hates Edward.
I look forward to reading the third book in The Seymour Saga.

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May 13, 2020 Scott Coon rated it it was amazing

This was a wonderful tale rooted in real history. The writing is beautiful, bringing us into the time and world of Henry VIII. As someone without knowledge of these events, the story drew me. Edward Seymours is a deep and interesting character. As he and the other political players maneuvered to determine the religious future of England, I was constantly wondering who would survive. And along the way, I learned some odd tidbits of history. I looked them up; they're true. ...more

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Jan 28, 2021 Cheryl rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-edition

I enrolled this more than the first, the wiring seemed tighter and the intrigue definitely got more interesting and dangerous. The constant jockeying for power still resonates today albeit minus the beheadings. Henry VIII grows more erratic but ultimately he does pass on the team to his son. Janet Wertman does a wonderful job here untangling this nest is hornets.

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Dec 08, 2019 Donna Pingry rated it really liked it

Easy read. Characters are interesting. This is a work of fiction, simply put. I would not have recognized the Edward and Anne Seymour from non-fiction works. The author cleans them up very well.

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Jun 29, 2020 Catherine Adair rated it it was amazing

A good read

Just finished the 1st and 2nd of the trilogy and looking forward to the 3rd. Have read a varied selection of books on the tudors, consider this a good read.

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About Janet Ambrosi Wertman

Janet Ambrosi Wertman

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Janet Ambrosi Wertman grew up within walking distance of three bookstores and a library on Manhattan’s Upper West Side – and she visited all of them regularly. Her grandfather was an antiquarian bookdealer who taught her that there would always be a market for quirky, interesting books. He was the one who persuaded Janet’s parents to send her to the French school where she was taught to aspire to Janet Ambrosi Wertman grew up within walking distance of three bookstores and a library on Manhattan’s Upper West Side – and she visited all of them regularly. Her grandfather was an antiquarian bookdealer who taught her that there would always be a market for quirky, interesting books. He was the one who persuaded Janet’s parents to send her to the French school where she was taught to aspire to long (grammatically correct) sentences as the hallmark of a skillful writer. She lived that lesson until she got to Barnard College. Short sentences were the rule there. She complied. She reached a happy medium when she got to law school – complicated sentences alternating with short ones in a happy mix.

Janet spent fifteen years as a corporate lawyer in New York, she even got to do a little writing on the side (she co-authored The Executive Compensation Answer Book, which was published by Panel Publishers back in 1991). But when her first and second children were born, she decided to change her lifestyle. She and her husband transformed their lives in 1997, moving to Los Angeles and changing careers. Janet became a grantwriter (and will tell anyone who will listen that the grants she’s written have resulted in more than $30 million for the amazing non-profits she is proud to represent) and took up writing fiction.

There was never any question about the topic of the fiction: Janet has harbored a passion for the Tudor Kings and Queens since her parents let her stay up late to watch the televised Masterpiece Theatre series (both The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth R) when she was *cough* eight years old. One of the highlights of Janet’s youth was being allowed to visit the Pierpont Morgan Library on a day when it was closed to the public and examine (though not touch!) books from Queen Elizabeth’s personal library and actual letters that the young Princess Elizabeth (technically Lady Elizabeth…) had written.

With the Seymour Saga is complete, Janet is deep into writing the first book of her next trilogy, which takes up where the Seymours left off to illustrate the life of Elizabeth I – and she is getting ready to publish her translation of a nineteenth century biography of Henry later this year. And because you can never have too much Tudors in your life, Janet also attends book club meetings and participates in panels and discussions through History Talks!, a group of historical novelists from Southern California who work with libraries around the state. ...more