Saturday, June 16, 2012

The King's Damsel by Kate Emerson, 346 pages

Thomasine Lodge was set up as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Mary, daughter to King Henry VIII, after her father died, and her wardship was purchased by the status seeking Sir Lionel Daggett. Thomasine has been told that she must seek favor with the young princess or Sir Lionel will make Thomasine's life more miserable. Thomasine quickly comes to care for the princess, becoming a friend and confidant as the marriage of King Henry and Queen Katherine falls apart due to his obsessive love for Anne Boleyn. Anne becomes Queen, and Thomasine becomes a member of her court, in order to keep Mary informed and watch out for her best interests. But unfortunately, Thomasine catches the eye of the king, who has proven himself unloyal and faithless to the women he loves. Anne is also a dangerous enemy to have, so what is Thomasine to do?
Kate Emerson always does a fantastic job of bringing English history to life, choosing little known characters and creating wonderfully detailed backstories. Fans of Philippa Gregory, Karen Harper and historical fiction, will thrill to this new look at the Tudor Court.

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