The Golden Widows in Aussie Readers

Jun 28, 2014 Brenda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: aussie-authors, 2014-release, own-read, historical-fiction, autographed-book, won

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 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.
...more

15 likes · Like · see review

May 03, 2024 Cathleen Ross rated it it was amazing

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 suc ...more

Like · see review

Jul 13, 2014 Sheree rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviews, own, historical-fiction, aussie-author, read-in-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 K ...more

Like · see review

Jan 21, 2015 Helen rated it really liked it

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.

Like · see review

Jul 18, 2014 Alison Stuart marked it as to-read

Like

Sep 27, 2015 Elisabeth Rose rated it really liked it

Like

From the Bookshelf of Aussie Readers…

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

What Members Thought

Aussie Readers