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Royal Court #3
The Lady's Ambition
Passion had always ruled her.
Margaret Douglas, daughter of a Queen, niece of King Henry VIII never did anything by half measures. When she was a young woman she dared to love knowing it could only end in heartbreak. Love was never meant for those so close to the throne. Still she went on believing that one day she would have it all. A husband. A family. A legacy.
Her story is that of a woman who lived a life full of intrigues and power struggles. Some may have called her greedy but it was ambition that drove her - that overcame her. Will she be prepared to risk everything she ever loved to achieve her dreams?
Royal Court Series Book 3 can be read as a standalone.
Margaret Douglas, daughter of a Queen, niece of King Henry VIII never did anything by half measures. When she was a young woman she dared to love knowing it could only end in heartbreak. Love was never meant for those so close to the throne. Still she went on believing that one day she would have it all. A husband. A family. A legacy.
Her story is that of a woman who lived a life full of intrigues and power struggles. Some may have called her greedy but it was ambition that drove her - that overcame her. Will she be prepared to risk everything she ever loved to achieve her dreams?
Royal Court Series Book 3 can be read as a standalone.
280 pages, Paperback
Published January 19, 2020
415 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Anne R. Bailey
23 books115 followersAnne is a novelist, entrepreneur and when she can find the time: wife.
Her love of historical fiction, writing, and romance encouraged her to dive head first into the world of publishing. With a cup of warm coffee by her side and her dog at her feet, she can be found at her desk writing late into the night.
Her love of historical fiction, writing, and romance encouraged her to dive head first into the world of publishing. With a cup of warm coffee by her side and her dog at her feet, she can be found at her desk writing late into the night.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 1, 2021
DNF at 44%
Maybe the grammar, syntax and spelling mistakes are stopping me from really enjoying this book, but it is a shame that it also makes Margaret Douglas' life somewhat... dull? It's the kind of historical novel that unfortunately rushes through historical events without giving the reader sufficient emotional weight to care, in a "this happened and then this happened" kind of way. On the one hand, while this feels very rushed, I'm also kind of glad this isn't longer, since it really needs an editor either way, unfortunately.
Maybe the grammar, syntax and spelling mistakes are stopping me from really enjoying this book, but it is a shame that it also makes Margaret Douglas' life somewhat... dull? It's the kind of historical novel that unfortunately rushes through historical events without giving the reader sufficient emotional weight to care, in a "this happened and then this happened" kind of way. On the one hand, while this feels very rushed, I'm also kind of glad this isn't longer, since it really needs an editor either way, unfortunately.
April 18, 2021
Not my favorite Anne R. Bailey book..It was worth reading of course.
November 10, 2022
Badly written book about what could have been an interesting subject.
Margaret Douglas was the daughter of a queen, the niece of a king, and cousin to monarchs Edward, Mary and Elizabeth - what sights she must have seen and been privy to. Sadly, the author turned her into a spoilt selfish woman who was so unlikeable that it is difficult to care about her and her family at all. She is spiteful, jealous, a nasty piece of work who sees all her extended family as obstacles to the throne. I don't know if she really was this venal but she is so judgemental of everyone else it is surprising she doesn't spare a second to look at herself. She's not even nice to her husband.
The religious turmoil of the time is also flat and simplistic - according to the author catholic good, protestant bad, without any attempt to understand the times in which these people lived. Henry VIII was after all the first ever head of the Church of England, after being a devoted Catholic for most of his life (it was the pope who awarded him the title of defender of the faith), so it was no surprise if people weren't sure how they should worship, and God bless Jane Grey for dying for her faith, and for Elizabeth I for sticking to it. Shame that the author seems to hate Elizabeth I and had no time at all for Lady Jane's story (she gets about one line).
This is the second in this series that I have read and I think it will be my last. The revisionist history is infuriating and not even written well.
One final point - her descendant's name was Arbella Stuart, not Arabella. She married without her cousin, the king's, permission and died at the age of 39 in the Tower of London.
Margaret Douglas was the daughter of a queen, the niece of a king, and cousin to monarchs Edward, Mary and Elizabeth - what sights she must have seen and been privy to. Sadly, the author turned her into a spoilt selfish woman who was so unlikeable that it is difficult to care about her and her family at all. She is spiteful, jealous, a nasty piece of work who sees all her extended family as obstacles to the throne. I don't know if she really was this venal but she is so judgemental of everyone else it is surprising she doesn't spare a second to look at herself. She's not even nice to her husband.
The religious turmoil of the time is also flat and simplistic - according to the author catholic good, protestant bad, without any attempt to understand the times in which these people lived. Henry VIII was after all the first ever head of the Church of England, after being a devoted Catholic for most of his life (it was the pope who awarded him the title of defender of the faith), so it was no surprise if people weren't sure how they should worship, and God bless Jane Grey for dying for her faith, and for Elizabeth I for sticking to it. Shame that the author seems to hate Elizabeth I and had no time at all for Lady Jane's story (she gets about one line).
This is the second in this series that I have read and I think it will be my last. The revisionist history is infuriating and not even written well.
One final point - her descendant's name was Arbella Stuart, not Arabella. She married without her cousin, the king's, permission and died at the age of 39 in the Tower of London.
September 21, 2022
Disjointed Read
Probably best to read Bailey’s book on Mary Howard first unless you’re well-versed in Tudor nobility. But it will seem as though Bailey writes about two separate people. The Margaret before her marriage to Lennox (& no idea why his name is, continually spelled two different ways; I know they weren’t fussy about spellings in that time period, but this is not written using any other odd word devices of the time) doesn’t resemble her younger self, who married Thomas Howard without Henry VIII’s permission. Here, as the title suggests, she is all “ambition.”
It is a quick & enjoyable read but without much historically correct detail.
Probably best to read Bailey’s book on Mary Howard first unless you’re well-versed in Tudor nobility. But it will seem as though Bailey writes about two separate people. The Margaret before her marriage to Lennox (& no idea why his name is, continually spelled two different ways; I know they weren’t fussy about spellings in that time period, but this is not written using any other odd word devices of the time) doesn’t resemble her younger self, who married Thomas Howard without Henry VIII’s permission. Here, as the title suggests, she is all “ambition.”
It is a quick & enjoyable read but without much historically correct detail.
January 12, 2025
This was a pretty good read. I felt like the first half moved rather slowly. Also, Margaret Douglas was not a likable character at all. She was very whiny and entitled, in my opinion. She did a lot of plotting that came to nothing.
I’ve read other Anne Bailey novels. Some of the main characters in those books had personalities much like Margaret. So annoying! I can’t decide if the women were really that way, or if Anne has taken kind of a formulaic approach to writing about her characters.
One other thing: Anne’s books need a good editor. There are frequent grammatical mistakes, and sometimes there are confusing passages. It’s almost like we are reading her first or second draft.
I’ve read other Anne Bailey novels. Some of the main characters in those books had personalities much like Margaret. So annoying! I can’t decide if the women were really that way, or if Anne has taken kind of a formulaic approach to writing about her characters.
One other thing: Anne’s books need a good editor. There are frequent grammatical mistakes, and sometimes there are confusing passages. It’s almost like we are reading her first or second draft.
October 30, 2022
I blame the writing for my hate for Margaret’s character in this book. I believe she could have been written as a character with relatability and depth rather than a boring and awkwardly ambitious person (with no real reason other than “I want the throne! I deserve power and money!”) and it honestly felt like a waste of time. I did not like the portrayal of any woman in this book and no character was well-developed in my opinion. I will give another book of the author’s a chance hopefully it will be better.
April 25, 2020
Interesting story
I love all things Tudor. This book is a fictional story from the perspective of one of the lesser known Tudors, Margaret Douglas. Interesting story about the life and ambitions of this woman. I’ve enjoyed all of the books by this author but so far this is my favorite.
I love all things Tudor. This book is a fictional story from the perspective of one of the lesser known Tudors, Margaret Douglas. Interesting story about the life and ambitions of this woman. I’ve enjoyed all of the books by this author but so far this is my favorite.
October 7, 2020
Simplified
The story of Margaret, Countess of Lennox was oversimplified. There were many misspellings, misuses, and omitted words throughout the story. A story should be well edited to make sure these errors are caught before publishing. This seems to be a trend in this day of electronic publishing.
The story of Margaret, Countess of Lennox was oversimplified. There were many misspellings, misuses, and omitted words throughout the story. A story should be well edited to make sure these errors are caught before publishing. This seems to be a trend in this day of electronic publishing.
March 18, 2020
Enjoyable
I very much enjoyed this book. I didn't really know much about Margaret Douglas so this was a refreshing change from typical monarchy books. Engaging and well written. I'll read more from this author.
I very much enjoyed this book. I didn't really know much about Margaret Douglas so this was a refreshing change from typical monarchy books. Engaging and well written. I'll read more from this author.
July 17, 2020
Margaret Douglas
This was a fast read..the only complaint I have is that Anne couldn't decide how to spell Matthew's name...we read so little about Marga, that it was refreshing to see her story be told, although it is fiction
This was a fast read..the only complaint I have is that Anne couldn't decide how to spell Matthew's name...we read so little about Marga, that it was refreshing to see her story be told, although it is fiction
November 6, 2020
Dragged, but some good historical detail
I didn’t know a lot about the protagonist, so I was looking forward to reading this. There were places where it really dragged, but it was good enough to finish.
I didn’t know a lot about the protagonist, so I was looking forward to reading this. There were places where it really dragged, but it was good enough to finish.
December 23, 2020
Ambitious Undertaking
The Lady’s Ambition was well researched and the characters well rounded. This book will delight any “Tudor” fan. It’s also an easy read if you need something light to get you through COVID.
The Lady’s Ambition was well researched and the characters well rounded. This book will delight any “Tudor” fan. It’s also an easy read if you need something light to get you through COVID.
September 12, 2021
A Weird Fictional Biography
This novel begins, jumping into the middle of Margaret Douglass' life, with no information or background as to who she was. We learn she is the King's niece, but the details of exactly how are never mentioned.
Important people and events are ignored.
This novel begins, jumping into the middle of Margaret Douglass' life, with no information or background as to who she was. We learn she is the King's niece, but the details of exactly how are never mentioned.
Important people and events are ignored.
Read
November 28, 2021Quick read
I enjoyed the book. You don't get a lot about Margaret Douglas especially from her perspective so that was great. I will say the Matthew/Mathieu thing drove me crazy. His name would be spelled different within five sentences.
I enjoyed the book. You don't get a lot about Margaret Douglas especially from her perspective so that was great. I will say the Matthew/Mathieu thing drove me crazy. His name would be spelled different within five sentences.
October 21, 2023
Jean38no
These books are such a delight . The author knowledge of the Tudor era is so great. You are immediately swept into a Tudor court. I love the books about the women. I finished one and go immediately to the next. A very good read !
These books are such a delight . The author knowledge of the Tudor era is so great. You are immediately swept into a Tudor court. I love the books about the women. I finished one and go immediately to the next. A very good read !
January 28, 2021
01/27/2021
January 30, 2021
Interesting
Interesting story of Tudor lady I had read of in other books but not read one about her truly Margaret had a fascinating life
Interesting story of Tudor lady I had read of in other books but not read one about her truly Margaret had a fascinating life
March 15, 2021
Riveting story
This was a great read, as I love Tudor historical fiction. I enjoyed the fact the author was centralizing Henry VIII niece, Margaret.
This was a great read, as I love Tudor historical fiction. I enjoyed the fact the author was centralizing Henry VIII niece, Margaret.
June 4, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable read
July 11, 2021
Not worth the effort
I got about 20% through this book and just had to stop. It is poorly written, full of spelling and usage errors, and very frustrating to read.
I got about 20% through this book and just had to stop. It is poorly written, full of spelling and usage errors, and very frustrating to read.
November 22, 2021
Enjoying court life
I am enjoying these. Different pov women from Henry Vlll reign. Nothing too adventuresome but I do like this series.
I am enjoying these. Different pov women from Henry Vlll reign. Nothing too adventuresome but I do like this series.
March 6, 2022
great book
If you like history and intrigue, you’ll love this book, as I did! Might even read it again if I can’t find anything better!
If you like history and intrigue, you’ll love this book, as I did! Might even read it again if I can’t find anything better!
February 9, 2024
Good
This was good. Not enough historical context for me. Interesting read. I like that it was about Margaret and hope to find other books on her. I will continue the series.
This was good. Not enough historical context for me. Interesting read. I like that it was about Margaret and hope to find other books on her. I will continue the series.
February 18, 2025
I found the writing to be a bit choppy, with odd punctuation, and the sort being pieced together with little flow between paragraphs.
April 3, 2025
Kinda slow- but I always love a historical fiction book
March 26, 2021
It was over too fast
I really enjoyed this interpretation of Margaret Lennox. Every now and then you find a book that you can’t put down. This was one of them. Most enjoyable and I highly recommend it. It stays true to historical reference and only wish it was longer. A very well written book
I really enjoyed this interpretation of Margaret Lennox. Every now and then you find a book that you can’t put down. This was one of them. Most enjoyable and I highly recommend it. It stays true to historical reference and only wish it was longer. A very well written book
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews