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Review Of: Katherine by Anya Seton
This is a beautifully written book, with historical accuracy and attention to detail of the middle
ages. The book looks at the life of a beautiful girl from common background, who would rise to become the wife of John
of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, who was third son of King Edward III of England. History tells us of the grandeur
of the Plantagenets, with their tall stature, regal bearing, and golden looks. But little is known of Katherine de Roet
Swynford Lancaster, save for her great beauty and some facts of her life. We know that she was married to a knight,
Hugh Swynford of Kettlethorpe. We know that she became governess to the Duke of Lancaster's children. And
we know that she bore two children with Swynford and four with Lancaster. And there is legal documentation to prove that there
was a dissolution of their relationship, and then a marriage years later at Lincoln Cathedral. But there is much
detail that needs must be filled in--between the lines, as it were. Ms. Seton was a true detective with her research. In
this book, she gives startling clarity to the events surrounding the Great Plague of that time, the Peasants' Rebellion,
and court life. She tracks the lives of her main characters: where they were, who was also there, when this happens.
More than anything, though, there is the never-ending love between the remarkable figures of Katherine and the Duke.
This book is a "must read" for lovers of historical romance/fiction, and anglophiles. It will transport you
to medieval England, and stir something in your soul, too!
Other books by Ms. Seton:
Avalon, My Theodosia, Green Darkness, Dragonwyck, The Winthrop Woman.
Visit
a site for the late Ms. Seton at www.anyaseton.com
Review Of: The
Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory
With style, Ms. Gregory weaves
another tale of Tudor England. This book recounts the glamor and terror surrounding life in the court of King Henry
VIII. We see it through the eyes of Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Lady Jane Rochford, wife of George Boleyn--the
late brother of the beheaded Anne Boleyn. The story is gripping. It draws the reader in from the start, and
keeps you captivated throughout the telling of tragedy, triumph, and survival. At once, you are drawn into the lives
of these women. You feel their power, pain, and resignation to their lives as each of them struggles to survive
amidst the uncertainty of a king who is old, sick, and perhaps, a bit mad. And you will walk through Tower Green
in London, feel the power of the executioner's axe as you ascend the steps of the gallows with two of the three
ladies in this book. Read this book before you visit England. Then come back to your home and read it again.
You'll see how accurate Ms. Gregory's descriptions and attention to detail are.
Other books
by Ms Gregory are The Constant Princess, The Other Boleyn, The Virgin's Lover,
The Queen's Fool.
Visit Ms. Gregory at www.philippagregory.com
Review Of: MARY Queen of Scotland and the Isles
by Margaret George
This is a wonderfully woven tale of the famous Stewart queen who ruled with
her heart. Mary's sad life is chronicled with such depth and detail that you will laugh and cry with her, sing and
scream with her. You will come to love and apreciate this strikingly beautiful woman. A cousin to Elizabeth I
of England, Mary is a pawn in the events which surround her: the rise of Protestantism, the balance for power in Europe,
the call of her heart. Ms. George's expert recounting of historical events is done with her characteristically
lyrical and poetic style. She gives a true picture of all the key players: Darnley, Bothwell, Mary herself, as
well as others such as Riccio. She is a master at storytelling, giving the reader a real treat with her work, a feast
of the written word. I have revisited this book many times. And when I visited Mary's tomb in England, I cried.
Ms. George's work is legendary in the ranks of historical fiction.
Other books by Ms. George: The Memoirs of Cleopatra, The Autobiography of Henry VIII, Helen of Troy.
Visit Ms. George at www.margaretgeorge.com
Review Of: A Breath
of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
This is the sixth book in the Outlander series, which chronicle the
life and times of Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser and her husband, James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser. Ms. Gabaldon
writes wonderfully humorous, sexy, and witty books. I urge you to read this series. I have read all of them at least
three times. In this particular book, Claire and Jamie have some tough decisions to make that will impact
everyone in their family as they story opens in the year 1772. Claire and Jamie live in the hills of North
Carolina. But the governor has called Jamie to help with many skirmishes that will ultimately decide the fate of
the colony of North Carolina and all who live there, including the Frasers. With her characterisitc style of wit and
grit, Ms. Gabaldon gives us a real feel for being there in that place and time. And we are drawn into the
Revolution through the lives of the Frasers. But they don't only have to choose whether or not to live in a country
that is free from tyranny, Claire and her daughter Brianna and Roger, Brianna's husband, must decide whether or not
to live in the eighteenth century, for they are time-travelers! As ususal with all of the books in this series,
the story draws you in. For me, I actually feel so connected to the people in this book and the others
in this series that when they are upset, I cry with them. When they're offended, I, too, am offended.
And when they are triumphant, I soar with them. I even sometimes forget that they aren't real people.
This is a gritty, fun read!
Other books by Ms. Gabaldon:
Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Drums of Autumn, Voyager, The Fiery Cross, Lord John and the Private Matter,
The Outlandish Companion.
Visit Ms. Gabaldon @ www.dianagabaldon.com
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