The Queen's Lover - by Vanora Bennett (Paperback)

About the Book

After the death of her husband, King Henry V, Catherine of Valois is caught between warring factions and threatened by the powerful lords of the English court and her own scheming brother, forcing her to use her cunning to survive and protect her infant son.

Book Synopsis

From Vanora Bennett, the acclaimed author of Portrait of an Unknown Woman and Figures in Silk comes The Queen's Lover, a fictionalized account of the life and loves of Catherine de Valois, a woman of enormous courage who became a great queen of two countries. Fans of Phillipa Gregory, Alison Weir, Sarah Dunant, and Tracy Chevalier, and every reader who adores top-quality historical fiction will be swept away by this epic love story set against the rich backdrop of 15th-century England and France--and by this remarkable woman who triumphed magnificently by making her own rules.

From the Back Cover

Catherine de Valois, daughter of the French king Charles VI, is born into troubled times. Though she is brought up in a royal court, it is a stormy and unstable environment. Before she is out of her teens, Catherine is married off to England's Henry V as part of a treaty honoring his victory over France. She is terrified at the idea of being married to a man who is a foreigner, an enemy, and a rough soldier, and is forced to leave her home for England.

Within two years she is widowed, and mother to the future King of England and France--even though her brother has laid claim to the French crown for himself. Caught between warring factions of her own family and under threat by the powerful lords of the English court, she must find a way to keep her infant son safe. In Owain Tudor, a childhood friend for whom Catherine has long had affection and who now controls the Royal household, Catherine finds both strength and kinship. As their friendship turns to love, however, she risks not only her life and that of her son but the uneasy balance of power in England and France that will be forever changed.

History comes alive in this lyrical and moving true story of one woman's courage and the inception of one of the most famous royal lineages of all time.

Review Quotes

"A substantial historical novel set in turbulent 15th century England. Ably explores themes of romance and politics." - Kirkus Reviews, on Figures in Silk
"Many historical novels depict Wars of the Roses-era royal court life, but few describe late medieval trade and artisanship in such fascinating detail. . . . Bennett's second novel stands out for its engrossing storytelling, multidimensional characters, and intriguing interpretation of everyone's favorite love-him-or-hate-him monarch, Richard III." - Booklist on Figures in Silk
"Vanora Bennett knows what drives her characters, both fictional and historical, and they seem as real and easy to relate to as your next-door neighbor. Bennett's medieval England comes alive in ways a reader can immediately relate to, even while being transported away from the modern world." - Christian Science Monitor on Figures in Silk
"Bennett weaves Meg's story into the fabric of her times, using her passions, doubts, and conflicting feelings to mirror and illuminate larger issues. Bennett writes gracefully and persuasively, skillfully using historical details to capture the uncertain mood of a turbulent era. Her portrait of the artist Holbein and his work is fascinating, especially her explanation of the ingenious symbolism encoded in his second portrait of the More family." - Boston Globe, on Portrait of an Unknown Woman
"This absorbing novel is rich in colorful historical detail and probes the mysteries and depths of the human heart, as well as showing the universality of human dreams, passions, and politics." - Rocky Mountain News, on Portrait of an Unknown Woman
"Readers of historical fiction will be pleased with Bennett's sure-handed storytelling." - Publishers Weekly, on Figures in Silk