The Queen's Governess by Karen Harper, 376 pages

Katherine Ashley is known as the governess to Queen Elizabeth, but how did she rise from humble beginnings to become the woman responsible for raising the young girl who would become known as "The Virgin Queen." Katherine Ashley came to Thomas Cromwell's attention, and managed to survive the turbulent sea of Henry VIII's court long enough to become governess to the king's "bastard" daughter Elizabeth. Katherine faced treason charges, served time in the Tower, and helped protect Elizabeth, even after she gained the throne.
Karen Harper has a gift for bringing history alive with her novels, and "The Queen's Governess" is one of her best. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book filled with intrigue, romance, and compelling characters. Karen Harper has a place on my book shelves as a must read author.

The Secret History of Elizabeth Tudor, Vampire Slayer by Lucy Weston, 303 pages

Elizabeth Tudor is about to be crowned Queen of England, but the night before her coronation, she is brought to her mother's tomb to learn about an ancient evil that is threatening her country. Mordred, son of King Arthur, is an immortal vampire, determined to rule with Elizabeth as his queenly consort. Elizabeth must summon all her powers if she has any chance of resisting his seductive plan.

I am a fan of vampire fiction, Queen Elizabeth, and English history, so "The Secret History of Elizabeth Tudor, Vampire Slayer" by Lucy Weston was the perfect storm of a book. This combined the exciting story of Elizabeth's early days of queenhood, with the dark betrayal of Mordred against his father, intertwined with seductive vampires. The characters stayed true to history, with the addition of the vampire storyline contributing in a believable plotline. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in what promises to be an entertaining series.