These are not the stories of fully-rounded people whose stock in trade must be courtly intrigue and politics in order to survive. These are romance novels dressed up in Tudor regalia. They are set in the Tudor court, and they follow minor characters of the Tudor court, but they are not about the Tudors. Being an expert in all things Tudor can’t be done.These books were written poorly, even woodenly at times and are overwrought with romantic conjecture and conniving. From the seamtresses who designed the gowns and costumes for the royals to the scullery maid in any given kitchen, Tudor history is crowded with people wanting to tell their story.

Tudor history is large and messy covering many decades and hundreds of players. But that just never happened.Kate Emerson advertises herself as an “expert in all things Tudor,” which right off the bat makes me suspicious. Even after reading all three, I kept looking for a reason to like them.

I wanted to like them enough to keep them in the library and recommend them to other Tudor history buffs. But the favor of a king can be dangerous and chancy, not just for Nan, but for her family as well.and passionate Nan is guarding a secret, one that could put her future - and her life - in grave jeopardy should anyone discover the truth.īased on the life of the real Anne Bassett and her family, and drawing extensively from letters and diaries of the time, Between Two Queens is an enthralling picture of the dangers and delights of England's most passionate era. And in newly Protestant England, where plots to restore the old religion abound, Nan may be the only one who can reassure a suspicious king of her family's loyalty. After all, it wouldn't be the first time King Henry has chosen to wed a maid of honor. As the court plunges into mourning, Nan sets her sights on the greatest match in the land.for the king has noticed her.

But soon after she becomes a maid of honor to Queen Jane, the queen dies in childbirth. Nan Bassett hopes that an appointment at the court of King Henry VIII will bring her a grand marriage.

KATE EMERSON CONTINUES A SAGA AS DRAMATIC 'RICH AND LUSHLY DETAILED, TEEMING WITH PASSIONĪND INTRIGUE,' SAID ROMANTIC TIMES.

Between Two Queens by Kate Emerson