Wednesday 20 April 2016

Sharon Reviews: Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen by Samantha Wilcoxson

The author has kindly donated a signed paperback to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning, leave a message in the comments section below, or on our Facebook page. The winner will be drawn on 27th April 2016. Good luck!



She was the mother of Henry VIII and wife of Henry VII, but who was Elizabeth of York? Raised as the precious eldest child of Edward IV, Elizabeth had every reason to expect a bright future until Edward died, and her life fell apart.
When Elizabeth's uncle became Richard III, she was forced to choose sides. Should she trust her father's brother and most loyal supporter or honor the betrothal that her mother has made for her to her family's enemy, Henry Tudor?
The choice was made for her on the field at Bosworth, and Elizabeth the Plantagenet princess became the first Tudor queen.
Did Elizabeth find happiness with Henry? And did she ever discover the truth about her missing brothers, who became better known as the Princes in the Tower?
Lose yourself in Elizabeth's world in Plantagenet Princess Tudor Queen. 


Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen is a delightful novel portraying the life of England's first Tudor Queen, Elizabeth of York. Well written and researched, the author's passion for her subject shines through on every page, drawing you into every aspect of Elizabeth's life, from the men in her life, to her siblings and her children. Samantha Wilcoxson's novel immerses you in every aspect of Elizabeth's life; indeed it draws you into the Queen's own thoughts and feelings; into her inner turmoil surrounding the fate of her brothers, the Princes in the Tower, and her desperate desire for her eldest son, Arthur, to succeed his father as king.




I have to admit that I was initially uncertain of the direction this book would take. I was worried that  it would be another of the formulaic 'Richard III good, Henry VII bad' novels that we see all-too-often these days? However, Samantha Wilcoxson goes far beyond the superficial portrayals we see of the rival kings, examining their personalities through the eyes of the queen who knew them both. With great skill, the author has portrayed not only Elizabeth the Queen, but also her thoughts, emotions and inner conflicts, giving us a complex woman who had to make compromises and judiciously pick her battles, in order to help not only her children, but also her Plantagenet family. The book is a wonderfully sympathetic portrayal of the first Tudor queen, showing a deep understanding of the events and emotions that shaped Elizabeth's life ... and the future of the Tudor court.

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen immerses you in the world of the fledgling Tudor dynasty. Surrounded by wonderful palaces and the splendour of the royal court, we are taken on a journey through the life of a remarkable woman, a queen who bridged the gap between the Medieval World and the emerging Renaissance, between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians and became the matriarch of England's most famous ruling dynasty. Samantha Wilcoxson skilfully guides us around the Tudor palaces, the customs and etiquette of the day, in order to bring the world of 500 years ago to vivid life.

The author does not shy away from the controversies of the day and explores, not only the disappearance of the princes in the Tower, but also the effect this has on their sister and the rest of the family.  We are treated to Henry's insecurities and Elizabeth's doubts and anxieties over the Pretenders to the Tudor throne, both Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck:


Almost as an afterthought, Elizabeth asked, "The boy, who was he really?"

Henry released her and returned to his chair with a shrug. "He is nobody. Lambert Simnel turns out to be his name. A simple baker's boy. A pawn."
"What happened to him?" Elizabeth asked, hoping that the young boy had not been sacrificed in battle to grown men's whims.
"I have brought him back to London with me." When Elizabeth turned her face away, he knew she believed the boy imprisoned. "I have put him to work in the kitchens."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up as she turned her face to Henry's. "Truly? He is not in the Tower? Will not be tried for treason?"
"I see no point. He appears to be no older than eleven and understood little of what was going on around him. He does, however, seem to have learned some more desirable skills from this baker."
"Thank you, Henry." Elizabeth went to him and put her arms around him. Maybe he did not understand that she could not bear the death of one more boy, but he had saved this one nonetheless. She loved him for it."



I cannot recommend Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen highly enough. My one criticism would be that it races through the 'Princess' years; it would  have been nice to see more of Elizabeth's relationship with her father and of her childhood in general. However, it does a wonderful job of exploring Elizabeth's years as Tudor queen, bringing her to life, not only as queen, but also as a wife, mother, sister, daughter and cousin. Elizabeth is portrayed as the link that holds everyone and everything together; she is dutiful, conciliatory and loving, with an inner determination. A heroine in the greatest sense of the word.

Samantha Wilcoxson has found her own path through the stories of the Richard III and the Wars of the Roses. The book is thoughtful, insightful and inspiring, with thrills and surprises on every page. Her diligent research and love of her subject shine through, shining a spotlight on Elizabeth of York, one of the most remarkable and underrated women to have ever been England's queen.


 





Samantha Wilcoxson is an American writer and history enthusiast. Her novel, 'Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen', looks at the transition from the Plantagenet dynasty into the Tudor era through the eyes of Elizabeth of York. This book has been named an Editors' Choice by the Historical Novel Society. Samantha's next novel, 'Faithful Traitor', will continue to look at the Plantagenet remnant by featuring Margaret Pole.
During rare moments when Samantha is not reading or writing, she enjoys traveling and enjoying time at the lake with her husband and three children.
Links:


Sharon Bennett Connolly has been a reviewer for The Review since 2015. Fascinated by history for over 30 years she has studied the subject both academically and just for the joy of it - and has even worked as a tour guide at historical sites. She is now having great fun passing that love of the past to her 10-year-old son; visiting abbeys, hunting dragons in medieval castles and searching for fossils at the beach. Sharon writes a blog, History . . . the Interesting Bits, and has just signed a contract with publishers, Amberley, to write a book on Medieval women; Heroines of the Medieval World is due for release in 2017.



54 comments:

  1. Great review Sharon. I would love to win a signed copy.

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  2. Great review Sharon. I would love to win a signed copy.

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  3. Love this period of history, and although it can be convoluted and complicated, it is still downright fascinating to read. Also to see how a woman's role has evolved from breeder and chattel to someone to be respected. Lovely post
    Amanda Ward

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  4. Looking forward to reading this, even more so now. Thank you.

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    1. Can you give us your name and email address, so we can contact you if you win?

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  5. Brilliant review. Made really want to rush out and get this book. O can't wait to read. I'm new to learning about this period as my interest have always been with Henry VIII. Trying to branch out a bit now though, expand the horizon.

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    1. Excuse my typos. I have fat fingers and a small touch screen!

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    2. Excuse my typos. I have fat fingers and a small touch screen!

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  6. Wonderful review. I can't wait to read this book.
    Barbara P. Emanuelson

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  7. she was born in very difficult times with her two brothers murdered in the tower of London possibly by her brother in law then marrying henryx11 think what criticism thatwould bring today cant wait to read the book alan powers

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  8. A wonderful review and a refreshing take on Elizabeth of York. Thank goodness!

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  9. THis is a must own book for even a casual Plantagenet historian. Winning would be lovely

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  10. Thank you so much for this kind and thoughtful review! I hope that whoever wins the giveaway enjoys Elizabeth's story as much as you did. 😃

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  11. My 2nd cousin, 13x removed, and a fascinating woman! Will we ever know the truth of the Pretender? And yes - I would really love to win a copy of this book!

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  12. I am so glad there is a book out there that treats Elizabeth of York as a real person with her own mind and opinions. This should be an interesting read.

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  13. No other woman in English history (save the great Eleanor of Aquitaine) has been related to so more ruler: daughter, sister, niece and mother. And she died way too young. Looks like this book would enrich my knowledge of this Tudor princess.

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    1. Can you give us your name and email address, so we can contact you if you win?

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  14. Looking forward to reading this, maybe even Free???

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  15. I think this book would look nice on my kindle

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  16. I wasn't going to read this book, because the Plantagenets are my main interest, and I thought I knew what I wanted to know about Elizabeth of York. Your review has changed my mind! I want to read well researched fiction, and this sounds terrific. I'd love to win a copy, but I'll read this anyhow. Thank you for the well thought out and written review!

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  17. Congratulations on this great review!

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  18. I love Elizabeth of York. I think this book, judging from the review, sounds like a must read.

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  19. I have read a few books about Elizabeth of York. She was a very interesting person. I can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the review!

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  20. Great review! Count me in as one who wants to read this!

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  21. Excellent review of what sounds like an excellent novel! Elizabeth of York has always been a favorite of mine. I so admire her resilience and ability to carry on during such a volatile period in time. I somehow find it comforting to know that her genomes live on...she deserves more interest than I think she gets!

    Of course! I would love to read and review the book! Congratulations on it's publication!

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  22. A wonderful review of what sounds a wonderful book. I feel quite impatient to read the book and be able to learn ore about this fascinating woman who was such a major player on the stage of history.
    Diana

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  23. A wonderful review of what sounds a wonderful book. I feel quite impatient to read the book and be able to learn ore about this fascinating woman who was such a major player on the stage of history.
    Diana

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  24. What a great review, I think Elizabeth must have had quite a complicated life, I'd love to win a signed copy of this book

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  25. Would like to read this book, she is such a pivotal character. Such a strong woman to live through the times that she did.

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  27. Looking forward to reading my free copy!!!!!!

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  28. Fabulous review! The book sounds like a brilliant read!

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  29. Lovely review, Sharon. I would love to win a copy!

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  30. I need a new book to read and this sounds perfect I find this period so interesting and yet they never taught us anything about it in school and I don't see why , i have been researching her a lot recently and truly believe that she believed perkin warbeck was her brother why else wold she have became so close to his wife

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  31. Great review! Would love to win a copy!

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  32. Good review. I love this time period and would love to add this book to my collection.

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  33. Sounds great! I would love a copy!

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  34. Sounds great! I would love a copy!

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  35. suzieduck@gmail.com21 April 2016 at 05:27

    Hi! This was a great review, as you always give, Sharon. Thanks so much. I will read this book, whether I win the free copy or not. Elizabeth of York has always interested me; she faced many obstacles in life and overcame them all. She was a strong-willed woman, and I will enjoy reading a new person of her life. Thank you.
    Suzanne Reed

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  36. suzieduck@gmail.com21 April 2016 at 05:29

    That should be "I will enjoy reading a new perspective of her life"

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  37. A wonderful review! I would enjoy this read ..... I would love a copy!

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  38. Would be a thrill to win a signed copy, I'm excited at the chance

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  39. I would love a copy. My many times Great-Grandmother.

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  40. Haven't been able to get my hands on this yet, but I haven't given up trying! There seems to be so little about her published that I'm really looking forward to reading this - please put my name in the bucket! ~ Rita

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  41. I am so intrigued by this time period - don't have a kindle and can't find this book at my local library. trying to get my kids thru college ;) - would love to read in paper/book format :) thank you - kathlle

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  42. What a nice review, Sharon, of a book I'd love to read. It will be interesting to see how Wilcoxson explores the thoughts and perspectives of Elizabeth. Well done!

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  43. This review certainly makes me want to read the book. Good job, Sharon.

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  44. Plantagenet princess, Tudor quuen sounds very interesting, and I look forward to reading it.

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  45. I've enjoyed your review, and plan to read the book. I'd love to win that signed copy!

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