Member Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I just loved this historical fiction. It was engaging and entrancing. Just a fun ride.
I absolutely love reading books that take place during the War of the Roses, and this book grabbed my attention upon first hearing about it.
This novels tells some of Catherine of Valois' story! Married to Henry V, she soon gave birth to the future Henry VI. Henry V died soon after, and Catherine would go on to marry Owen Tudor.
Catherine was a strong woman who fought for the safety of her son, as well as for her own happiness.
At times, the storytelling throughout this novel was uneven and jarring pacing wise, and felt rushed. I did feel immersed in the world that Mr. Gold brought to life throughout, but, wish some parts had been slowed down and / not skipped over.
I look forward to doing more research on Henry V, Catherine, Henry VI, and Owen Tudor on my own time as well!
If you enjoy Historical Fiction, I recommend this book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Romaunce Books for the ARC of this novel! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read if you like: a general historical fiction book
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The book follows the love story of Catherine Valois and Owen Tudor. The story itself felt very rushed and it was more like telling the story rather than feeling immersed in the story. I wanted to feel more connected to the characters and get more of an inside look into the romance. I was really excited about this book but it was disappointing.
I really wanted to love this. I am huge historical fiction fan and find them to be very engaging. This one did not do it for me. I did not finish reading this which makes me sad. I made it about 30% into the book and just could not get into it. there was not a lot of development in the first 30% I read for any of the characters except for Owen. Catherine, the queen in this, has hardly any development for me. I gathered that she does not want to be like her mother but also other then trying to be funny and please her soon to be husband I got nothing. I did not connect with anything happening in these books. I might try to read this in the future but right now, I just could not get into it. I found the narration to be boring and even though the descriptions of what is going on is great, I just felt the writing was not engaging. I am giving this 2 starts even though I did not finish it because I think that I could.
Well paced and full of detail. I felt like I was right inside of the book.
Thank you Netgalley for an awesome arc in exchange for my honest opinion
This was a good mix of historical detail along with an entertaining storyline.It kinda reminded me of a Plaidy novel which I really enjoy occasionally.It was well written and would be a good starting point for those wishing to experience the Tudors in a novel form.
Much thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review
The Widow Queen and her Lover was a surprisingly great book!
When I began reading the book, I couldn't see where the book was going, though I do admit it kept my interest with Henry V of England going to France to meet and marry Catherine de Valois after his win at the Battle of Agincourt. And after we hear about the aforementioned marriage, we learn the story of Owain Tudor, who becomes the lover.
The real story starts after Henry V's death. It after a period of time posts death when Owain Tudor joins Catherine's household and we see what would be thought impossible. Everything said is done so exquisitely and made this a cannot put down read!
I liked this book more than The Queen Of The Poor but that may be because I know more about Queen Catherine and Owen Tudor. As with the authors other book, it is more like cliff notes rather than a true historical fiction story of their lives together. Still it's entertaining reading and you will find a good true summary of them at the end of the book. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I've enjoyed this book very much. I read it one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down.
I love anything about the Tudors. I found this back story quite interesting. I had no idea there was another Catherine.
I admired her and I appreciated her in how she treated everyone the same.
I found her personality intriguing. I'd want her to be on my side.
I Iiked Owen. His bravery and wanting to protect his family made him.a hero in my book.
5 stars for keeping my interest throughout this book. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. I was NOT required to write a positive review.
He even made me snicker in some spots.
5 stars for a new to me author and a well written book.
Mr. Gold has done well and I love the way he made these characters realistic.
The descriptions made me feel like I was there myself.
I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book tell the story of Catherine Valois and her marriage to King Henry V. King Henry dies soon after she is pregnant with their heir that will become King Henry VI, leaving her at the mercies of a evil brother in law that wants nothing more than to take the power for himself. She quickly learns who she can trust while she lives her life trying to protect her son.
I felt this story is too much to tell in so short of a book, and this book was missing quite a bit. It jumped ahead several years at a time without really glossing over what had taken place during those years.
I rarely give books such a low rating, but I feel there are far more better books on the subject than this one.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of the E-book.
The story did not flow as it should have. I was not grabbed by the story and the dialogues lacked such emotion. Also...if your main character has black hair, why does the cover have a redhead on it?
So, if you repeatedly talk about your main character as being "raven haired," why is the cover a redhead? I know publishers and the marketers decide a lot, but this is the beginning of the trouble with this book.
The widowhood of Catherine of Valois, left with an infant heir by Henry V, is one of the great medieval romantic dramas--rather than return to France (as her elder sister did after Richard II's deposition), Catherine stayed behind to maneuver for the survival of her son against the power grabs of his adult uncles. Her secret relationship with Own Tudor produced the Tudor branch of the royal family through her son's marriage to Margaret Beaufort. Gold has a sense for the drama, but not for the history or the means to convey it--exposition is clunky, his scene shifting is unnecessary and in comparison to finely grained works like Brian Wainright's Within the Fetterlock or Sharon Kay Penman's series, it suffers in comparison. Also, centering the Henry-Catherine meet cute on a "niece" daughter of Louis the Dauphin that he didn't have is not great.