Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

"A Woman of Influence" by Vanessa Wilkie introduced me to a figure in Tudor era history, Alice Spencer, whom I hadn't previously known. Alice Spencer, the Countess of Derby, was a fascinating woman and this book uses historical records, correspondence, diaries, and more to bring readers along on a linear narrative through her life. A noble woman's power and influence were complex during this time period and I enjoyed Wilkie's discussions on how Spencer wielded hers over her family and the Tudor and Stuart courts. This is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about individuals from the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Based on what little I learned from the summary, I knew it would be something I would enjoy based on subject matter alone. What I found was the writing was appealing and presented in a very reader-friendly manner, meaning it is perfectly balanced with an excellent mixture of facts and narrative style writing in which these people, who really lived, came alive and I felt as though I were experiencing live alongside them! I learned things I have never heard before and so many pieces fell into place into what made so many "historical figures" alive in a way that I have never before experienced. It is obvious that Vanessa Wilkie did her research and it is presented in a very appropriate manner! Whether you know a lot or a little about the Tudors, Stuarts, and Spencers...this read is something I belive will have widespread appeal! I cannot recommend it enough!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of "A Woman of Influence" in exchange for an honest review. This biography of Alice Spencer was a great story and extremely informational. It was great to read about another strong woman during the reign of Elizabeth 1. This is especially so considering the Spencer' family's relevance in today's world. Alice Spencer was an extremely strong woman who built herself up and advanced her financial wealth and social/political power in a man's world. Her influence only strengthened as she became a mother and grandmother, and even after her death. In a sense, she created the original Kardashian family. This book was very clear, concise, and easy to follow. I was impressed with how many documents the author was able to source from this period. This is a definite must read for anyone interested in British, women's, or even royal history.

I was always going to be sold on this book because I'm a sucker for history books that focus on women, but Alice Spencer's story is incredible in its own right. Not only because we can see the direct impact that it has had on our modern lives, but because everyone loves an underdog story. I can't recommend this enough, particularly if you're more of a layman when it comes to history like I am.

It's incredibly readable and I devoured it in two sittings. Pick it up and let yourself get lost in the world of the Tudors~.

This book was good! Definitely interesting and very niche so if this doesn’t sound up your alley you could probably skip it, but interesting to learn about a woman related to Princess Diana oddly enough who kind of seems like the OG Kris Jenner (with a much sadder public sex scandal though). A quick and accessible read.

A Woman of Influence: The Spectacular Rise of Alice Spencer in Tudor England by Vanessa Wilkie is an excellent biography and historical account of a fantastic and fabulous woman that was determined to form her own destiny.

I absolutely loved learning about Alice Spencer Stanley Egerton, whom was born in 1560 in England. Reading about her rise from a more humble beginning, and through grit, fortitude, determination, and the refusal to give in and be pushed into a corner and into submission, became one of the most fascinating and influential women in Tudor/Stuart England.

Impressively researched and elegantly and effortlessly presented.

I highly recommend this gem.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Atria Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I will post this review to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/18/23 per publisher request.

A woman so way ahead of her time. Alice Spencer was really responsible for putting the Spencer family in notice of the English throne. She was the daughter of a sheep farmer (albeit a smart one) and navigated her family's way ahead. The author has done an amazing job of researching Alice and you will definitely enjoy reading about someone new. My thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.