A NEW UNABRIDGED RECORDING FEATURING AN AFTERWORD READ BY THE AUTHOR! From #1 New York Times bestselling author and "queen of royal fiction" ( USA TODAY ) Philippa Gregory comes the remarkable story of Katherine of Aragon, Princess of Spain, daughter of two great monarchs, and eventual Queen of England when she marries the infamous King Henry VIII. Daughter of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, Katherine has been fated her whole life to marry Prince Arthur of England. When they meet and are married, the match ...
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A NEW UNABRIDGED RECORDING FEATURING AN AFTERWORD READ BY THE AUTHOR! From #1 New York Times bestselling author and "queen of royal fiction" ( USA TODAY ) Philippa Gregory comes the remarkable story of Katherine of Aragon, Princess of Spain, daughter of two great monarchs, and eventual Queen of England when she marries the infamous King Henry VIII. Daughter of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, Katherine has been fated her whole life to marry Prince Arthur of England. When they meet and are married, the match becomes as passionate as it is politically expedient. The young lovers revel in each other's company and plan the England they will make together. But tragically, aged only fifteen, Arthur falls ill and extracts from his sixteen-year-old bride a deathbed promise to marry his brother, Henry; become Queen; and fulfill their dreams and her destiny. Widowed and alone in the avaricious world of the Tudor court, Katherine has to sidestep her father-in-law's desire for her and convince him, and an incredulous Europe, that her marriage to Arthur was never consummated, that there is no obstacle to marriage with Henry. For seven years, she endures the treachery of spies, the humiliation of poverty, and intense loneliness and despair while she waits for the inevitable moment when she will step into the role she has prepared for all her life. Then, like her warrior mother, Katherine must take to the battlefield and save England when its old enemies the Scots come over the border and there is no one to stand against them but the new Queen.
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This book drew me in from its first page and did not release me until the end. The characters are finely drawn and entirely believable. This is another one of Philippa Gregory's excellent historical novels. She is an outstanding author of this genre.
Smanatha
Aug 7, 2008
Awesome!
I found that this book was awesome! This was my second Philippa Gregory Book and I enjoyed imensely! She is a wonderful author! I have read the other Boleyn Girl and although this book was not as great as that one it was still wonderful, and I look forward to reading other books by her! I love that she actually researches the history before she writes the books! Anyway.... you should definatley read this book!
ozzie
Aug 9, 2007
Excellent Read
As in the majority of Phillippa Gregory's books, this story was entertaining and held my interest and as usual, I hated when it ended. If you love books about English King's and court you'll find this book one of the best!!
donna
Jul 17, 2007
HISTORY REVISED
PHILLIPPA GREGORY PUTS A NEW SPIN ON THE OFT TOLD TALE OF KATHERINE OF ARAGON AND HENRY VIII. I COULD NOT REALLY GO ALONG WITH HER PREMISE AS IT CONTRADICTS ALL THE OTHER HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS I HAVE READ. I COULD NOT SEE KATHERINE LIVING OUT A LIE FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE AND BECAUSE OF HER BACKGROUND AND BELIEFS, I COULD NOT BUY HER FONDNESS FOR THE MUSLIM RELIGION. DO NOT READ THIS FOR THE HISTORY BUT LOOK AT IT AS JUST A STORY WITH REAL HISTORICAL NAMES ATTACHED TO THE CHARACTERS.
Smithcuse
Mar 20, 2007
Fascinating history and tale
I have read several of this author's books, and this is my favorite. The word pictures she paints are absolutely lovely and the story riveting. Catalina, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain is to marry Prince Edward. The young prince, with whom she falls deeply in love, dies young. From this point on we see a woman of great strength and determination emerge to marry Edward's brother and rule her adopted country of England as Catherine. The author brings to life some of the most fascinating characters in history.
