Reluctant Queen by Geraldine Evans

'A very readable account of a fascinating woman who dared to stand up to Henry VIII and survived. It is thoroughly researched, admirably written and the author's love of the Tudor period shines through.'

HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW

RELUCTANT QUEEN: A BIOGRAPHICAL TUDOR HISTORICAL NOVEL

One NOT about any of the six wives! Henry had plenty of other relatives, most of whom, given his short-lived dynasty and shaky right to the crown, the always insecure Henry had executed throughout his reign in order to secure his throne.

Although the teenaged Mary Rose is King Henry VIII's favourite sister (he even named his famous ship after her), his shifting alliances and ruthless desire to have his own way, made him push the young and lovely Mary into a hateful state marriage with the ailing and ancient King Louis XII of France.

But, a reluctant Mary Rose, as strong-willed as Henry and passionately in love, for the first time, with champion of the lists Charles Brandon, extracts a promise from Henry. A promise she is determined he will keep.