“The Queen’s Governess by Karen Harper
Historical Romance - Aug 2nd, 2011
4 stars
Katherine Champernowne is the daughter of humble beekeeper in Devon. Throughout her adolescent years, she longs to escape her simple life, go to London and catch a glimpse of the court. By a lucky chance, she meets with Cromwell who later recruits her as a spy. Steadily, Kat climbs the ladder in court and becomes one of Anne Boleyn’s ladies. Kat watches the rise and the fall of Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour as she is assigned to be Elizabeth’s governess. Kat must watch her every step and conversation as she navigates the treacherous Tudor court. Worse of all, she must be careful of the ambitious men who would do anything for power, especially Tom Seymour. Scarred by her first romance, can Kat learn to trust the steady, dependable John Ashley? Will her burgeoning love with John cause her and Elizabeth’s downfall?
Less of a romance novel and more of a historical, this is a fascinating read into the supposed mind of Kat Ashley, who is the mother Queen Elizabeth never had. Ambitious and intelligent, Kat longs for the exciting London court only to realize too late, that it is a dangerous place to be. Childless and utterly devoted to Elizabeth, Kat will sacrifice anything to keep her ward safe. I really admire Kat for her devotion even though Elizabeth sounds like a handful. Although Kat eventually marries John Ashley, I don’t find him as interesting as Kat. He is such a stable, dependable guy, which, unfortunately, makes him a bit bland in comparison to Kat. As a woman, Kat has a difficult path to tread especially in the Tudor times where women are treated as chattels.
Thought provoking and insightful, this book is a treat for all historical readers!
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Club”
Bookaholics R wrote this review Saturday, August 6, 2011.
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