I received this ARC via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, especially learning more about James I. I have not read any books from the Stuart period and this was a nice fiction book to read. The Historical aspect has been done very well. The story brought that time period to life for me. So why did I not give this five stars? There were a couple of parts in the book that I wasn’t so sure would actually happen, except to keep the story going into the next book. With that said though, I do recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next book in this trilogy. As this was the first book I have read from this author, I can say whole heartily that I will be reading more of her books and I am especially intrigues to read her non fiction works.

I was given a ARC from NetGalley all opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this book, I read it in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and this is the best book I’ve read in months. The premise is simple Frances Gorges the daughter of a minor nobleman, whose mother was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth’s has some skill in healing which pits her against the newly formed Stuart court with its paranoid king. Alone Frances must navigate the treacherous waters of Stuart London, outsmart Cecil and avoid charges of witchcraft in an age when a woman with learning and medical skill was automatically regarded with suspicion.
The book starts slowly but soon picks up pace, the characterisation is excellent and there are twists and turns a plenty. Anyone with a basic knowledge of early Stuart history will quickly realise the role Frances’ paramour will ultimately play but even knowing that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I could continue but am anxious about revealing any spoilers.
I highly recommend you read it for yourself. I cannot wait for Bormans next book.

The book was well written. The historical information was very interesting. It took me awhile to get in to it. The further in I got the more interesting it became. I would recommend this book.

I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this ebook via NetGalley.

This lively account of the Gunpowder Plot makes familiar events fresh by describing them from a unique point of view. Lady Frances Gorges, a herbalist and lady of the bedchamber to young Princess Elizabeth, finds herself drawn into the center of the conspiracy by her love interest, her family and even her own conscience. But can she keep herself and her loved ones safe in the coming maelstrom? This is an enjoyable read, but some facets of the plot are simply beyond the realm of belief. SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!! For example, it is unthinkable that a king so notoriously afraid of witchcraft would allow an accused witch to continue on as such a close attendant to his daughter, especially after she had been tortured, thus having been given reason to hate the king. In addition, there is no way that a royal princess would ever have been left alone with any man for any period of time for any reason. Frances would never have been the only noble female in attendance upon her at Coombe Abbey in the first place, and if she had been, she never would have left her leave with Lord Harrington on her own. These and other small details make the story somewhat less creditable, however, the novel is still an enjoyable read with much that does accurately reflect historical fact. This introductory novel to what is anticipated to be a trilogy has definitely piqued my interest, and I am highly likely to read the next installment upon its release.

A rich and lovely debut! I love stories about strong women that are not unbelievable, and I adore novels about herbwives.

The King's Witch by Tracy Borman is a historical fiction novel about Francis Gorges, a healer, who is forced by her conniving a manipulative power-seeking uncle to wed in order to gain stature in the royal court. Frances can trust no one in the King's court but finds companionship with the King's exuberant daughter, Elizabeth, and a loyal member of the council, Tom Wintour. Will she be able to outsmart the shrewd Privy Seal, Lord Cecil, who has had it out for Francis since their first encounter?

This book is very well-written, but I'm afraid the pace was a little to slow for my liking. Where is the scandal that accompanies most historical/fictional retellings of court life, especially when there's "sordid" sorcery involved? I rate this novel 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: April 6, 2018. Novel Publish Date: July 13, 2018.

The King's witch is a fascinating journey into the time immediately after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. As Elizabeth died childless, the throne went to King James of Scotland, a weak, paranoid, superstitious, decadent and easily manipulated. James isn't particularly excited to be outside of his native Scotland, and unlike Elizabeth, he's a ferocious hater of Catholics. As the nobles around him jockey for power, Frances Gorges comes to the court at the instigation of her noble uncle, who sees her as a tool to gain power and influence for their family. But Frances is a healer, more comfortable at her family's country estate where she works with her herbs and potions to heal the sick and helps the poor. Frances arrives at James court where she is considered a witch for her healing abilities, and falls under the eye of Cecil, who would like nothing better than to destroy Frances and her family.

Frances is not a historical character but the book is set in real times. Tracy Borman brings to life the poisonous court and deadly politics of the day. Throw in a bit of romance, add some truly nasty characters and you have a story you won't be able to put down! The King's Witch is the first in a trilogy and I am looking forward to reading the next book.

As this book starts Her Highness, Queen Elizabeth I is on her death bed. King James I of Scotland is sent for and becomes King James VI of England. This is a wonderful story that kept me reading all night. It's a must for any Historical Fiction fan. I'm so glad this is a series! I look forward to reading more of this story by this new to me author. I will also be reading other books by her.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley!
All opinions are my own and I loved it!

This book is quite literally spell-binding. I loved every single word! From the rich, historical detail to the wonderfully deep fictional characters, I could NOT put this book down. The events surrounding the reign of King James, to the journey of herbal healer Frances and her incredible strength of character, to the love between Frances and historical figure Thomas Wintour, I was absolutely hooked. I am now a forever-fan of Tracy Borman.

If you are into historical fiction then you shouldn’t miss this book. It is so well written with interesting characters. The story revolves around Frances, a gifted young girl who only wanted a simple life but is dragged into politics of the English Stuart court. Loved the book!

The King's Witch is the gripping first installment of the Frances Gorges Historical Trilogy, by Tracy Borman, Ph.D. a brilliant storyteller and historian. While this seems to begin as a historical romance novel, it is so much more. The book covers the Gunpowder Plot, the scheme in which a group of men fed up with the anti-Catholic machinations of King James I, planned the assassination of he and his eldest son, Henry, along with the members of both houses of Parliament. They stockpiled large amounts of firewood and gunpowder in a room underneath the meeting room of Parliament, intending to ignite it during a meeting. The goal was to blow up Parliament, then set up a Catholic regime with James's 9-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, as a puppet queen.
 
On March 24, 1603, Queen Elizabeth I dies childless, and  her cousin, James of Scotland, is waiting impatiently to take over the English throne. Attending her is Frances Gorges, who is talented with herbal remedies, and loves the outdoors, especially flowers and animals. Frances wants nothing more than to be home on her parents' bucolic Longford estate. Unfortunately, her parents' positions at court, and her uncle's greed and ambition prevent that.
 
Frances is assigned as the companion of then 8-year-old Elizabeth. She soon meets Thomas Wintour and, of course, they fall in love. Tom is involved in the plot to remove James, and Frances is unwittingly drawn into it as well, but not before being imprisoned and tried for witchcraft.
 
James, who was already on the throne of Scotland as James the VI, came to London as the English James I, intending to continue the fanatical purging of witches that he had been doing is Scotland. "Witches" being anyone who was considered a healer, or who worked with herbs, especially if he or she happened to be around when a sick person died, or when someone "miraculously" recovered.
 
Though not the leader of the Powder Plot, as it came to be known, Guido "Guy" Fawkes, is the only one of the assassins who remains famous today. Masks made into a stark-white likeness of his face have become popular among protestors, and are the face of the present-day group, "Anonymous".
 
The King's Witch is more historically accurate than many historical novels, especially romantic ones. If you love British history, you will love The King's Witch.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Grove/Atlantic, Inc., who provided me with a pre-publication copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Look for me online as The Grumpy Book Reviewer.

This book is amazing. Told from the point of view of a very strong willed woman. What Francis goes through just to make it in her life is amazing. The characters are completely well written out that I, honestly, wanted to smack her uncle, lol. Francis is a herb woman that in historical times would be labeled as a witch. That was completely stupid and just another way for men to control the women in the times. That is a different rant so I won't go into it right now.

This story takes place as King James comes from Scotland at Queen Elizabeth's death (may she continue to rest in peace). It takes you through King James of Scotland's witch hunt and Lord Cecil's evil plot to prove Francis is a witch. Thankfully the Queen steps in and protects her but not till Francis has been tortured. With all this going Frances falls in love & loses her love.

There are plots and schemes withing plots and schemes in the story line. Made it very hard to put down. I stopped the the first night at 57% read and then finished it the next night. It grabbed your interest and you just had to know what happens. You want to laugh and cry at the same time in parts of it. I can not wait till the next one comes out and I am adding Tracy Borman to my authors to watch and read.

The first book a new trilogy, The King’s Witch is a strong start to a promising trilogy.

Frances Gorges is a young herbalist of noble birth. Being a natural healer, she cares for the rapidly declining Queen Elizabeth I as she passes from this world. While she returns home to her family’s country estate as King James ascends to the throne, she is back at court not long after when her uncle forces her hand. King James has called for the prosecution of Catholics and Witches, and Frances’ healing talents could put her in a dangerous position at court.

While a historical work of fiction, the author weaves the story into the very real Gunpowder Plot of 1605. True to the time period, the author brings the story and lives of King James and his court to vibrant life. I look forward to the next two books that will complete the trilogy.

I agree with this statement 100% - “Acclaimed as a brilliant historian, Tracy Borman proves with this thrilling debut novel that she is also a born storyteller.”

Beautifully written as it is custom to the land of Shakespeare, the combination of language, the subject of natural healing using herbs and the passion of the heroine for the art of healing brings a spellbinding story rich in historical period.

Brief history: King James VI of Scotland, after the death of Elizabeth I, becomes also King James I of England and Ireland, becoming the first monarch to be called the King of Great Britain. This story begins with his reign of England in 1603 as the first monarch of the House of Stuart. He is talented, but his reign is marked with witch-hunting and prosecuting Catholics, and the latter leads to the Gunpowder Plot – conspiracy to assassinate him.

Frances Gorges, fictional character, of noble birth, at the English court helps to nurse the dying Queen Elizabeth. Her journey, as an herbalist tending to sick, begins with encouragement of Revered Samuels. “His skill at healing was renowned…” He teaches her about the herbs and its healing powers. Her eagerness to learn about herbs comes very naturally and takes her on an extraordinary journey, attending to sick already at the age of eleven.

With the passing of Queen Elizabeth and Reverend Samuels, new King James chooses a new priest, Reverend Pritchard. His first sermon already marks a change in attitude, hellfire preaching against the art of healing “to foster suspicion and fear among his flock.”

As King James “declares a war on witches,” chief minister, Robert Cecil, “drafts a new Act against witchcraft.”
After a year break from the court, Frances is forced by her uncle to return to the court. She prefers free spirited fields of flowers over congested city life and to be confided to specific quarters. However, what surprises her at the new court is the new Queen, Danish princess. Frances now feels curious to see her new sovereign to rule England. With the new royals, there is also a new encounter. His name is Tom Wintour.

Meanwhile Lord Cecil is committed to the cause of witch-hunting by employing William Shakespeare to create a play reflecting current political situation.

Soon Frances also learns that the King is not only after witchcraft, but also after Catholics, prosecuting them and banishing Catholic priests from the kingdom.

The love nuance is so heart-touching. This intriguing fictional heroine of strong character is pursued by a historical figure Tom – educated, smart, of strong character who stands up for what he believes in. This heart-warming love intertwined with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 ends Book I. And for those who know the fate of Tom Wintour, you can guess how this book ends.

I applaud authors who revive such historical figures as Thomas Wintour. Not a well-known name to most of us resurfaces in history in present time in this stunning story.

The author perfectly balances history with conveying messages. It is rich in historical details, but not to a point to overwhelm the reader. The author takes time to convey a message, but not for too long to lose a reader’s interest. This is one of those reads that I like to take my time to read it and immerse myself in the pages of history with characters full of depth.

5 stars

Frances Gorges is a young woman of gentle birth who, along with her mother, attended Queen Elizabeth I at the time of her death in 1603. Tending to her with herbs and potions, she made the Queen’s passing a little easier.

King James I (and VI of Scotland), is on his way to London to take over the reins of the country. Interestingly enough, he was the first to be called King of Great Britain. He is noted for his intolerance of those he calls “witches” (and Catholics). So too is the Privy Seal, Lord Cecil. And the new Reverend Pritchard at Frances’ local church first sermon is on the dangers of witchcraft in their very community. Not a very auspicious beginning to say the least.

Frances’ healing talents were fostered by the now deceased Reverend Samuels, whose replacement is Pritchard. Frances has a natural ability and instinct for healing. But, it has now put her into danger from the new King and clergy.

Following the death of the Queen, Frances is able to stay at the family’s country estate, away from the intrigue of the court. But after a year of this bliss, he “uncle” drags her to London and back to court. She is beset by fear and makes friends only rarely. She makes friends with the King’s daughter. She is both a lively and likeable child.

Another person she meets is the real historical figure of Tom Wintour. Those familiar with that era of history will recognize his name as one of the co-conspirators in the infamous Gunpowder Plot. This was an attempt to assassinate King James I by a group of Catholics. Frances is unsure about Tom. As her affection for Tom grows, Frances is not sure if she should trust him altogether or not?

This is a very well written and plotted novel. I’ve read a number of Ms. Borman’s other books, and I believe this is the first time she has turned her hand to an (almost) complete work of fiction. The novel reads linearly, that is to say in a straight line. One event follows another. The characters are likeable and completely believable. The addition of a mild love interest for Frances is a nice addition to the story.

I want to thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkably well written and enchanting book for me to read and enjoy.

An enthralling peek behind the curtain at the time of James of Scotland who succeeded Queen Elizabeth. We see not only James, but his entire family through the eyes of a member of the aristocracy close to the throne who discovers there are far more secrets being kept than she ever imagined. An engrossing read!

The 17th century was no time for a woman to advertise her ability to heal. Frances Gorges learned how to use herbs and other plants to help ease the pain and suffering of the ill, and she was called to the bedside of the dying Queen Elizabeth to care for the ailing monarch. As soon as possible, she fled back to the countryside, glad to be free of the intrigue of the royal court. But it’s not long before her uncle has dragged back to the palace, and this time Frances has much to fear. King James has taken over the throne, and he has a dim view of what he calls “witches”. With her talents as a healer, Frances knows she could easily fall into that category and potentially burned at the stake. When she arrives, the finds herself smack dab in the middle of t he plot to overthrow both the Monarchy and the Parliament. With only her own instincts to guide her, Frances must decide who she can trust. The person closest to her might just be a spy. Borman’s research is meticulous, readers will find themselves thrown back into one England’s most turbulent periods