The Queen's Governess

Description

A brilliant, intriguing historical novel set in Queen Elizabeth I's court and told from the unique perspective of her most trusted adviser...Kat Ashley 'I could not fathom they were going to kill the queen. Nor could I bear to witness Anne Boleyn's beheading...'As a favour to a doomed queen, Kat Ashley agrees to become governess and confidante to the young Elizabeth Tudor. Together they suffer bitter exile, assassination attempts, and imprisonment, barely escaping with their reputations and their lives intact. But when Elizabeth is eventually crowned, Kat continues to serve her, faithfully guarding all of the queen's secrets, even the one that could bring down the monarchy...

Karen Harper is a former English teacher who taught literature and composition at Ohio State University, as well as at high school level. She has had a life-long interest in both the literature and the history of the Elizabethan period. As part of her classes she encouraged her students to put on an Elizabethan Festival each year which included performing Shakespeare, learning court dances, jousting, and always culminating in a (mock) beheading.

Harper's diligent research, realistic portrayal, and insider/outsider heroine will hook those who can't get enough of England's turbulent history...bestseller Harper maintains her focus on the roles of women - both powerful and powerless - in Tudor England, resulting in another enjoyable proto-feminist historical romp * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY * A walk side by side with one of history's most dynamic characters * Anne Perry * Well paced and full of pitch-perfect detail, Harper's novel brings new life to an old subject and, as good as the best of Philippa Gregory, is sure to be a big hit with historical fiction fans and book clubs * LIBRARY JOURNAL * All in all, a lively and historically grounded reimagining of two Tudor survivors * Kirkus * Taking a fresh view of Elizabeth I through the eyes of her confident governess, Harper delivers a strong story. Her keen sense of the role remarkable women played in history allows readers a fantastic view in this carefully researched, meticulously crafted book * Romantic Times *