To Serve a King

by Donna Russo Morin

From her earliest days, Genevieve Gravois has known one fact above all: Francis I, king of France, is her enemy. Raised by her embittered aunt after her parents' deaths, Genevieve has been schooled in things no woman should know - how to decipher codes, how to use a dagger and a bow, and how to kill. For Henry VIII has a destiny in mind for the young girl - as his most powerful and dangerous spy.
When the time is ripe, Genevieve enters the magnificent world of the French court. With grace to match her ambition, she becomes maid of honor to Anne de Pisseleau, King Francis's mistress. Yet neither the court - which teems with artistry and enlightenment as well as intrigue - nor Francis himself are at all what Genevieve expected. And with her mission, her life, and the fate of two kingdoms at stake, she will be forced to make deadly decisions about where her heart and her ultimate loyalties lie.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, France, Fiction, 16th Century, British Literature, Tudor Period

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Donna Russo is a bestselling author of historical, biographical, and women's fiction, as well as fantasy. She has made a significant impact in the literary world with her detailed writing and compelling characters. Her notable works include multi-award-winning Vincent’s Women and her internationally bestselling Novels of Newport: Gilded Age series, Gilded Summers and Gilded Dreams. Her historical fantasy, The King’s Agent, earned a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly.

An award-winning screenwriter, ghostwriter, and artist, Donna has over thirty years of experience as a certified book coach and has been a writing instructor for Writer’s Digest for over a decade. Donna has also worked as an actor and model with appearances in such notable works as Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED and Showtimes THE BROTHERHOOD. Donna is also one of the oldest practicing yoga aerialists in the country. www.authordonnarusso.com


Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com;
friend her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Donna.Russo.M...
Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnarussom...
Follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.

Reviews

[Rio (Lynne)]

I don't think I've ever abandoned a book so soon.....25 pages in and this is just ridiculous from the plot to the characterizations. Maybe it gets better, but this isn't for me. I don't mind fluff, but I have to find it believable.

[Jenny Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Genevieve arrives at the court of Francois I with only one purpose: to destroy him. Embittered against him from an early age, and encouraged by her protector, King Henry VIII, Genevieve has been schooled in the art of espionage with that purpose in mind. But her training had one big drawback: it was carried out in relative isolation, and Genevieve's first problem upon arriving at court is her struggle to adapt to the social interaction of a courtier's life. But she soon catches on and settles into her new role as lady-in-waiting, and her new role as Henry's spy in an enemy court.

At first it is very easy to carry out her duty, faithfully passing along any information she believes may be of value to Henry. She worships him with the pitiable steadfastness of a girl starved for affection, clinging to the smallest notice from him. Helping her along is her ability to quickly discern the dark undercurrents moving beneath the glittering, enlightened elegance of the the French court. As a lady-in-waiting to the king's mistress and closest confidant, the duchess d'Etampes, she is witness to the battle of wills between the duchess and the king's most trusted advisor, the constable Montmorency; and to the rivalry between the duchess and the Dauphin's mistress, Diane de Poitiers. If that isn't enough, throw in two jealous, jilted wives--Queen Eleanor and the Dauphine, Catherine de Medici--and you've got one seething hotbed of power struggles, paranoia, and intrigue.

As the weeks go by, Genevieve's mission becomes more difficult. She begins to form attachments at court, and she begins to see Francois in a new light. She starts to question her beliefs, and Henry's motives. But she's got another problem. She's become a bit careless, and the king's constable becomes convinced there's a spy in the king's court. When his investigation hits too close to home, Genevieve is forced to take drastic measures to protect herself, measures that have tragic consequences. At this point the story becomes very suspenseful. As the net tightens around Genevieve, Henry asks her to carry out her final task, and the story races along to a very surprising ending that really bumped the book up a notch in my estimation. I'd picked up a couple of little clues along the way, but I was not at all prepared for what actually went down. It's not often that an author can do that to me!

Ms. Morin writes with a natural, easy style and I really enjoyed reading about Francois I. It was very refreshing to get a view of Henry VIII from a rival's point of view, and Ms. Morin is a born storyteller. Filled with sparkling period detail, realistic, compelling characters, romance, suspense, and a few surprises, To Serve a King has everything I like in a book! (And a great author's note that prompted me to want to learn much more about the historical figures central to this story.) I look forward to reading her other novels.

[Amy Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Donna Russo Morin brings intrigue to the court of King Francois I of France in her third historical novel, To Serve a King.

Young Genevieve’s life changes when her parents are killed in a fire at the Field of the Cloth of Gold and King Henry VIII decides she is to be reborn as a spy, his own “beautiful weapon”. Raised in seclusion, by a cold and callous woman she knows as her aunt, Genevieve is taught how to decipher messages, weaponry and languages. Also brainwashed into believing King Francois I killed her parents and that King Henry VIII is an all-powerful supreme being, she would do anything to avenge her family and please her benefactor, which means infiltrating the court of Francois I as a lady in waiting to Anne d’Heilly, the king’s mistress.

But Francois I is not the monster she had been expecting. A learned man and patron of the arts, Francois is a true Renaissance king and the fact that he is also charming, generous and sincere is unarming to Genevieve. She had been bred to believe the worst of this man and here he was slowly becoming a father figure to her, causing Genevieve to question her mission and torn between the two biggest forces in her life.

To Serve a King is a thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing read! I loved the quotes that began every chapter, the characters were well developed and the descriptions of Francois’ opulent court were breathtaking. I loved reading about Francois I and now want to know more about him. A fast paced read with a clever and tenacious protagonist, I found it hard to put down! Any fan of historical mysteries will love this exciting read by Donna Russo Morin!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm...I am just not sure if this was a good book or not - it was kinda dumb and kinda entertaining at the same time. I think I have to give it 3+ stars as it did hold my interest - used some silly words like "wily and chiseled", but it was a cross between historical fiction and smutty romance, but didn't have a ton of smut...

[Liberty Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read. I could see this on the big screen. The costumes. The characters. The action. It cries out for a good director.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just released in bookstores everywhere as of January 25th 2011 in paperback this one is meant for the intrigue lovers. “To Serve a King” delves into the notably renaissance inspired court of King Francis I of France. His court was overflowing with spies, beautiful women, men, and artists. I love the French court and this novel covers many of the aspects I so dearly enjoy reading. I really was fascinated with Donna’s previous novel “The Secret of the Glass” but I found this novel distinctly different from her previous release. I much enjoyed the change of pace and bravo Donna for adding twists that this must know it all reader never saw coming.

Genevieve Gravois tragically lost her parents in a fire at the glorious once in a millennium meeting of two of history’s most monumental kings of Europe. King Henry VIII of England and King Francois I of France meet in the event known as “the field of cloth and gold” it was meant to strengthen the friendship between the two kings following the Anglo-French treaty of 1514. Left parentless under abnormal circumstances Genevieve is taken in by her aunt who from what I summarized was one of King Henry’s spies. Henry’s brilliant plans for the two year old orphaned child was for her to become his stealthiest and deadliest spy he ever deployed against his longtime friend enemy the King of France Francois I.

When the timing was perfect Genevieve was sent to the French court leaving behind an emotionally frigid aunt on her death bed. The French court was where her duties lie and Genevieve found ease in infiltrating Francois’ most beloved courtier’s lives. Being sent to court under the pretense that her grandmother paid for her a position at court, Genevieve became lady in waiting to the stunning king’s mistress the Duchess Anne de Pisseleau. In France it was customary for the mistress to be the leading lady at court that was nothing new. The mistresses were the ones with all the real power and they possessed more pull than even the queen. Genevieve never expected to become a real part of the elite royal click. No matter what she had a mission to serve her true king and nothing not even the people she grew to love would stand in the way of her duty.

Heart and mind torn asunder Genevieve was torn between two worlds. Turn her back on Henry or love the man she was brought up to despise, she had to make her bed and lie in it. There was only one choice; she had to decide if she was French or English and there would be no going back.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ORIGINAL plot-so well written and researched- this is truly a splendid book!!
brilliant- unique book- so very well written- a true original-
very highly recommended. Character,plot and locations so finely drawn!
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ

Rick Friedman
Founder
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB

Rick Friedman

[Brooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just could not get into this, I don't know why considering it has everything that I like in Historical fiction. In a few months I might come back and finish this.

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot twist ending! I’ll give it that. It also did well including parts of history and familiarizing the reader with real historical people.

The book was overall fine—I loved the author’s descriptive and beautiful writing, but the story lacked the spark that usually keeps me interested in a book. The general plot is that Genevieve is raised to be a spy and work for the king of England, and her goal is to assassinate the king of France. So she goes to French court and becomes a lady in waiting.

The character doesn’t really do much “spying” or fighting like I expected (she had literally been raised to be a spy). So the plot was just kinda watered down compared to the description on the back cover. It’s more of just a historical fiction book with romance and some internal conflict of the main character (aka being a spy and finding out the French king isn’t evil). Just don’t expect an adventure. She’s also legit bad at being a spy—she can’t control her emotions or reactions or act natural with others.

Ok, the goods—ROMANCE. It started out great, interesting, exciting... until the part at the end. Going to be honest, the plot twist with the love interest was WEIRD. Through the story, Genevieve falls for Sebastian at the French court, and they’re genuinely, mutually in love. Genevieve develops this inner turmoil because she is a spy for England and is supposed to assassinate King Francis of France, but she becomes good friends with the king/court people and falls in love with Sebastian (who is posing as a French noble), and so she doesn’t want to betray her friends and loved ones.

BUT THEN—Once she decides to NOT kill the king of France, Sebastian goes all crazy on her and reveals that HE WAS ACTUALLY sent by the king of England to keep an eye on Genevieve and make sure she was doing her job! So he’s all like, “I love you, but I have to kill you because you’ve disobeyed the king of England, whom I serve!” He also reinforces that he really loves her and has to kill her because he serves England first. So... yeah, a little messed up. He tries to choke her to death, but she is able to stab him in the heart with a dagger. There was absolutely nothing that hinted at Sebastian’s secret loyalties, so it really came out of nowhere.

Beware that there are several scenes where the love interests have relations, so just know it’s a little risqué.

Then in the end, Genevieve comes clean to King Francis and is forgiven, but she has to be sent away to live in secret and never return. It doesn’t explain really why, but I think it’s because the king of England would try to go after her for disobeying. It is also implied that she gets together with this other guy who likes her, but there wasn’t any chemistry between them through the story! Humph.

My Other Complaints:
1. The story never followed up on how her friends reacted to her leaving or how she felt about it. It was just like the book is over now.
2. She develops this “parental” relationship with King Francis of France, but it just seemed sooo strange and creepy.
3. King Henry VIII of England is barely talked about, and she doesn’t really interact with him. Some kind of relationship would have enhanced the book so much since she was working for him.
4. What about her family??? Genevieve was raised by her aunt (who dies early into the book), and she has been told that her parents died when she was a baby. The story introduces Genevieve’s mother which should have been exciting, but then five pages later, the mom commits suicide. And NOTHING comes from it! No explanation of her past or a relationship.

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a happy day when an impulse purchase pays off. I was a stranger to Donna Russo Morin, but I don’t see many novels taking place in Francis I’s court, so I was intrigued. This was a fascinating tale about a girl whose whole life was based on a lie, and who anguished over her mission in the face of too many contradictions. It was King Henry VIII himself who orchestrated this travesty, giving orders for Genevieve to be raised and trained to kill his rival King Francis when the need arose. She was placed in the household of the king’s mistress Anne de Pisseleu, and despite her best intentions to remain aloof while spying on the king, Genevieve was caught up by the kindness of those around her—including Francis. Her master, Henry VIII, was a shadowy figure to her, but he represented kindness, generosity, and above all, revenge for her parents' death.

Our heroine was close enough to events to give us a lively glimpse of the French court in all its finery—and its politics. Most of the story takes place in the later years of Francis’s life, when the burden of government has taken its toll; the elderly king is wiser and more sympathetic now, and even a little frail. Genevieve has to try harder and harder to remind herself that he is the villain she was taught to believe. All the characters in the novel were historical—with the exception of Genevieve, her lover, and, I assume, the other ladies-in-waiting. I really got a sense that I was there at court, and the story took enough twists and turns to keep me interested all the way to the end. It was a very enjoyable read.

[Everybody’s a Critic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did really enjoy this book, and I found the author's descriptive skills quite brilliant at points. The biggest let down was the ending. It felt rushed, like a deadline was fast approaching and she needed a quick, solve-all ending. I was especially unhappy with the character development of her future husband--for such an important role he fills at the end he is not mentioned much. It just all seemed too clean cut.
What was surprising as well was that I didn't feel her urgency as a spy very often. This I cannot account for, since the author seems to have kept that plot in the forefront. I just seemed to feel some essential emotion missing.
Otherwise the research for this novel was brilliant, and I appreciate the author's note at the end describing the historical events the novel was based off of. Overall a very charming novel.

[Isabelle Müller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love to read books set in the Tudor era and the story outline interested me but I found the book somewhat disappointing. The story was not plausible at all and there were many many loose ends. It was entertaining enough, so I managed to finish it. Two and a half stars rounded up.

[Ashleigh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast(ish) pace historical fiction with a compelling heroine, great attention to detail, and a moving plot. Loved the character development. Page turner!

[H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it. Just boring.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story with lots of potential but I think the writing was clunky and hard to follow.

[Mirella · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Serve a King by Donna Russo Morin is a novel of 16th century France. The heroine, Genevieve Gravois, believes she is the sole survivor of a fire that killed both her parents. Her aunt and King Henry VIII of England both tell her the fire had been set by the King of France, Francois I, and from that moment on, a deep hatred for the French king takes root inside the young girl 19s soul. As she grows to womanhood, she swears fealty to King Henry, and in return, he educates and trains her to one day become his spy. Genevieve learns to cipher and decipher secret codes and learns to skilfully arm and defend her life with various weapons. Finally, Genevieve is sent to take her place in the court of her enemy, King Francois. There, she immerses herself into the highest levels of the French court, and begins her secret duties as a spy for the English king, sending him secret missives about politics and the actions of the French king. As her life becomes more and more immersed into the opulence and intrigues of the court nobility, Genevieve slowly comes to the realization that all is not as it seems 13 those who she believes are enemies are not always adversaries and her friends cannot always be trusted.

In the novel, To Serve A King, Donna Russo Morin brings to life the affluence and magnificence of the 16th century French court. Important persons of the era make appearances in the story; from Nostradamus and the infamous Diane de Poitiers, to Catherine de Medici and Anne d'Heilly, lending credibility and historical detail to the story. As the tale unfolds, the heroine progresses from a determined young woman obsessed at revenge, to one who begins to question her own values and beliefs as loyalties are tested and secrets revealed. Numerous interesting character interactions and intrigues hold the reader's interest throughout the story. The chapter endings are exquisite, and hook the reader to turn the page to read more.

This novel sweeps readers into a turbulent time and takes us into the court of King Francois of France who surrounded himself with the best art, music, and artists of the time. What I enjoyed is although the Tudors are part of the story, they, for once, are not the focus. I liked the author's portrayal of the King of France's portrayal, for even though he is the heroine's nemesis, he comes across as kind hearted, heroic, and magnaimous, which is how I believe he truly was viewed by his people.

Impeccably researched, and strewn with delightful descriptions of clothing, furniture, and the aromatic foods of the period, one cannot help but truly enjoy the experience that comes from reading this novel. The reader is drawn by the strength and determination of the affable heroine. From laughter and joy, to sadness and fear, the reader experiences a realm of emotions as the heroine outwits her adversaries and dodges danger as she learns the real truth about her past. For anyone who loves historical fiction with feisty heroines set in majestic surroundings, this make a very satisfying, enjoyable read. Like all of Donna Russo Morin 19s novels, this one is sure to entertain.

[Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a child, Genevieve learned that her enemy is Francois, the King of France. She has been told that he is responsible for her parents' death and in turn, she make it her life's work to avenge their death. Her aunt raises her to be unconventional. She learns how to read and decipher codes, how to hunt and kill, and how to shoot an arrow expertly all while masking these talents with innocence, charm, and beauty. Henry VIII enlists her as a spy in the French Court and she becomes a maid of honor to the King's mistress. During her time at the French Court, she is put into many compromising situations and difficult circumstances; however, she must remember why she is there in the first place. Donna Russo Morin's To Serve a King is an exciting tale that transports readers to a world full of opulence, deception, and suspense. Fans of historical fiction will love living in this exciting world!


The heroine of the story, Genevieve, is before her time. She possesses the ability to shoot an arrow with the best of them and also exude charm like the other courtiers. Clearly, she is the perfect combination of feistiness and beauty. She is not just a pretty face at court and part of the fun is how, initially, many people underestimate her.


Also, Russo Morin brings the time period to life through her her descriptions, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Whether she was describing a fancy dress, a specific setting, or the furniture in a particular room, it was extremely vivid.


I am mostly familiar with stories involving the Tudors, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn more about the French Court. Russo Morin recreates the French Court, which is just as fascinating as the Tudor Court. I really liked how she incorporated many famous figures into the plot, such as Nostradamus, which made it even more historically accurate. Being familiar with Tudor history and lately, a bit bored by many books focusing on Henry VIII, To Serve a King was an interesting and a welcomed change.


Fans of historical fiction will love To Serve a King, because it has historical settings that truly come to life, it has a nest of intrigue, exciting romance and a lot of suspense. Donna Russo Morin is a "new-to-me" author and I plan on checking out her other novels--The Courtier's Secret, which also takes place in France and The Secret of the Glass, which takes place in 17th century Venice. Yes, please! There's nothing like curling up with a fascinating historical fiction when it's cold outside. It's the perfect escape!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the “Century of Giants,” Henry VIII of England, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V of Spain, and King Francois of France engaged in a game of treachery, using all who stood to serve them in their “struggle for power and glory at all levels.” The least of their pawns was little Genevieve de Hainaut Gravois, an infant orphaned by an act perfidious politics. Sent to the care of her French aunt, Madame de Montlhery by King Henry VIII of England, she was taught the arts of espionage and warfare to the purpose of bringing down the house of d’Orleans and ensuring a permanent division between France and Spain.

From a young age, Genevieve had a deep seated hatred for King François planted and nurtured. Told that Francois was the cause of her parents’ deaths, she never questioned her allegiance to Henry of England nor the long paternal letters of support and love she received from her Sire. With a life’s mission in her mind and the love of a benevolent king in her heart, she learned to shoot arrows with accuracy, to bring down the largest of animals in a hunt, and learned how to be a courtier in order to be placed right in the heart of her enemy’s court. Coming of age, Genevieve’s efforts come to fruition as she is taken into the service of Anne de Pisseleu d’Heilly, Duchess d’Etampes, King Francois’ mistress and advisor.

But, much to Genevieve’s dismay, King Francois’ court and the king himself do not match the stories she had been told all her life. Unsure which is reality, Genevieve must make a choice that has the potential of changing the European political landscape for generations to come.

In To Serve a King, Donna Russo Morin paints a very vivid portrait of the royal struggles that plagued Europe during the times of Henry VIII and Francois I. While Genevieve is a fictional character, she fits right in with the historical players in this saga and depicts clearly how the giants of Europe fought their game of crowns, enveloping even the least of their subjects into the struggle. Well written and intriguing, Morin proves that she is a contender in the wildly popular historical fiction genre.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read one other book by this author so far and this was an improvement over the last, you can certainly see this author’s growth over time. I loved this book - it was fast paced and carried your right along with the story. I enjoyed the fact that our heroine, Genevieve, is not a real historical character because I didn’t know what her story would be; every turn of the page was a surprise. To that end, the resolution of the novel was even more surprising and I certainly never would have guessed it! It was a wonderful closure to the story. Both of these elements that I point out above – the pacing and ending – were aspects that were greatly improved over the previous novel, The Secret of the Glass.

I loved getting to know the French court of Francois and the Duchesse de Etampes. I had previously met these characters before in novels about Catherine de Medici, but never had they been major characters for me. The characters were so well constructed, even all of the ladies who were a part of the Duchesse’s retinue. It was nice to see attention paid to the details here. I also enjoyed seeing the factions that occurred in court: the Duchesse and Francois vs. Henri and Diane de Poitiers vs. Catherine de Medici and Queen Eleanor. Morin writes some beautiful characters to be sure.

One of my favorite aspects was the spy/intrigue storyline. I hadn’t put too much thought into this happening as a daily aspect of life in the courts. I knew that everyone had the eyes and ears everywhere, but that was the extent of it for me. From all of my reading set in the courts of Henry VIII, Francois I, and Charles V, I could sincerely believe that these events would have occurred, based on their personalities.

I can’t wait to read more by this author.

This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.

[Reading Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think historical fiction is boring or tedious to read, you have obviously not read To Serve a King. This book has much more to offer than just a simple story set in the sixteenth century. Let me give you an idea of what is in store.

Genevieve’s life has not been easy. She lost her parents in a fire when she was two, she was raised to be a spy, and she was taught that King Francois is evil. The main part of the story picks up when Genevieve is headed to France to spy on King Francois at the urging of King Henry VIII. Genevieve starts out angry and hostile, but she softens with time. As she begins to question what she was raised to believe, Genevieve transforms in a good way and she is happier.

There are a lot of characters in this story. I think the entire French royal court makes an appearance! I may have liked the story better had there been more focus on fewer characters. One of my favorite characters, however, was Anne. For me, Anne represented what a queen should be. She was calculating, kind, and confident.

The setting is like a character in itself. King Francois’ castle is lavishly decorated and filled with luxurious belongings. From imported artwork and fabulous musicians to intricate architecture and fancy clothing – King Francois’ knows how to surround himself with the best of the best. I adore the descriptions and I would love to wear one of the fancy dresses.

To Serve a King is historical fiction with a strong story and a surprising twist.

RATING

4 Liked

COVER COMMENTS

The cover shows the rich clothing that the royals wore in the sixteenth century. I wish the characters were not so cut off though. I want to see Genevieve’s violet eyes.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: "From her earliest days, Genevieve Gravois has known one fact above all: Francis I, king of France, is her enemy. Raised by her embittered aunt after her parents' deaths, Genevieve has been schooled in things no woman should know - how to decipher codes, how to use a dagger and a bow, and how to kill. For Henry VIII has a destiny in mind for the young girl - as his most powerful and dangerous spy.
When the time is ripe, Genevieve enters the magnificent world of the French court. With grace to match her ambition, she becomes maid of honor to Anne de Pisseleau, King Francis's mistress. Yet neither the court - which teems with artistry and enlightenment as well as intrigue - nor Francis himself are at all what Genevieve expected. And with her mission, her life, and the fate of two kingdoms at stake, she will be forced to make deadly decisions about where her heart and her ultimate loyalties lie."

My Review: I was very intrigued by the idea of a female assassin in the French court. Morin definitely did a lot of research before writing this book and I like how she intertwined actual historical figures and events with the fictional ones. The one thing I must say is that this is a book that you need to be able to focus on entirely, there are a lot of characters and little things to keep track of (I had to re-read a few pages because I tried to read it while sitting at the DMV). Also the list of characters is extremely helpful. I have to say the majority of the book moved slowly but towards the end things absolutely took off and you couldn't wait to see what was on the next page.

[Kyrsta · Rating 3 out of 5]

“To Serve a King” is a novel set in 16th century France. Geneviève Gravois is a servant of King Henry VIII of England although she is French-born and is sent to the court of King François I of France as a spy. Geneviève is trained as a spy and assassin and is told that she is an orphan because of François and from this information stems a great hatred of the man. After arriving in François’ court, Geneviève soon realises that what she has been told is entirely inaccurate and she begins to doubt her abilities to carry out what is asked of her and she begins to question her morals and loyalties.

This was a great book! It was very well written and the characters continued to develop throughout the novel. All of the important people who lived in François’ court, Diane de Poitiers, Anne d’Heilly, Catherine de Medici, are present in the novel however some of their roles, especially that of Catherine de Medici, are drastically underplayed. This novel was obviously researched in great deal and is filled with details. The reader is hooked right from the beginning and the story holds the readers interest from start to finish, page to page. Definitely would recommend this novel to anyone who loves historical fiction.

[MBenzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I love Tudor England and will read any book I can get my hands on that takes place during this time. Unfortunately, since the story never changes, some books can sound very much like others in this genre. 'To Serve a King' however, was completely different.

While much is written about Henry VIII, his court, his wives, and his trouble with religion, very little (at least in the Historical Fiction world) is written about his French counterpart, Francois I. Sure, I've read books where Francois is mentioned, or bits and pieces of his life and court are mentioned in books about other French Royals (like Catherine de Medici, or Diane de Poitiers), but this was my first glimpse inside the day-to-day court life of King Francois I of France, and I really liked it!

I won't summarize this story since it's already been done here, but if you're at all interested in reading this, I absolutely recommend it. It's not full of action or great suspense (which is why I gave it 4 and not 5 stars), but the story moves along at good pace, and Genevieve is a likable heroine. This was a nice break from all the other Tudor Historical Fiction books out there that start to sound the same, and I'll be looking out for future novels from this author.

[Patrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am getting into this, very good so far... I had to put this book on the side for a while to read some of my more "timely" books for the holidays and some library books that were due back. I have picked it up again and it is getting much more interesting... hope to have more soon.

I've finished it and I can say I liked the whole concept of the story and the characters. I found the flow of the story kind of wavy. There were parts that really capture your attention and others that maybe could have been curtailed a little more. Let me temper that with the fact that I did not read the book straight through, so my own interruptions could have made it seem like the story ebbed and flowed. There were parts of Genevieve's story that could have altered course and gone in other directions; but, I like that the story stayed the course through to the end. There were a few twists and turns that were kind of unexpected. So, if you like historical stories, you would probably like this one that takes place during the reign of Henry VIII and King Francois of France.

I thank Donna Russo Morain for offering this book on the Goodreads Giveaways contests.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genevieve has been raised since birth to be a spy and an assassin for Henry VIII. She is placed in the court of King Francois in France as a handmaiden to the king’s mistress. As she learns more about the French king, she begins to become conflicted about her role as a spy and she is also beginning to fall in love with one of the king’s guards. Genevieve must balance her position carefully as one false move could leave her exposed as a traitor and executed. She must also deal with the unintended consequences of some of her actions as she tries to find her true path. There are some surprising twists and turns including glimpses of her past which provide a different truth to her. While some of the story requires a suspension of disbelief, the novel paints an interesting portrait of the French court in contrast to that of Henry VIII.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

After receiving an Advanced Reader's copy of The Courtier's Secret, I have been a fan of Donna Russo Morin.
Original story filled with adventure, danger, secrets, and a touch of romance. I found myself cheering for Geneviere, trying to figure out how she would come out of this alive.
Some things were a little confusing: the incident with the first courtier she kissed, when Emperor Charles V dropped the velvet pouch by Anne (which was explained in the author's note, but utterly confusing during the story).
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. And was happy with Morin's third novel.

[Marci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The reign of Francois I is an interesting one. I am always looking for more historical fiction set in his time period, and have not been able to find much. This was an interesting story full of deception, and intrigue, as well as a bit of romance ( of course!). The main character Genevieve is a lady in waiting to the French king's mistress, but has been schooled since childhood (at the command of Henry VIII) to be a spy and a would be assassin in the french court. The story was suspenseful, and kept me reading nonstop until the very end.

[Lindsey Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it was fiction, this book contained enough history to make the nerd in me happy. Raised as a spy and fueled by a lie, Genevieve finally entered the role she had been prepared for all her life. Only, she finds that not all is as it seems, and that love can fuel farther than hatred. Five out of Five stars for this historical fiction!

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally I like historic novels, although the romance part was rather weak.
Between two great kings a single woman trying to take revenge for losing her parents, but she is unaware of the truth.
The desctiption of the frence court was really nice!
Enjoy!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is about a girl who is a spy/assassin for the english king Henry VIII living in the french king Francis's castle. She was raised to hate him and kill him ,but will she be able to after spending her time there and living with them as the made of honor of his mistress Anne?