The Stolen Crown: The Secret Marriage that Forever Changed the Fate of England

The Stolen Crown: The Secret Marriage that Forever Changed the Fate of England It takes place in the mid to late s in England when King Edward IV.
Table of contents

The writing in the book was so eloquent well done. I was so emotionally invested in the story that I felt like I knew Kate and Harry personally. Susan Higginbotham seems to be very well researched. I can't wait to read her other two books. I hope she continues to write more from these time periods. Aug 16, Rio Lynne rated it really liked it Shelves: First of all, the author knows her history, but this book was tough for me. There were parts that I couldn't put down, then there were parts that made my eyes glaze over. I want my historical fiction books to be as accurate as they can, but the author gives you so much information, it is overwhelming.

Many reviews said to stick with it until Edward dies and they were right. The second half of the book was great. I also enjoyed the epilogue and the part where Harry's ghost supposedly haunts the i First of all, the author knows her history, but this book was tough for me. I also enjoyed the epilogue and the part where Harry's ghost supposedly haunts the inn, where the Blue Boar Inn once stood. Overall, I did enjoy this book. There are so many mysteries about that time, that we will never know. View all 4 comments. Jul 14, Iset rated it really liked it Shelves: I kind of felt that the marriage between Katherine and Henry depicted here seemed the same as the other marriages in medieval historical fiction — rocky starts, solidifying as they get to know each other.

Having read a lot of medieval fiction recently, I've noticed that this sort of marriage seems to crop up a lot. One thing I'm not sure was a decision that worked was telling the story from the perspective of Katherine and Henry. It was definitely interesting to get the perspective of characters who we don't often get to know very well in wars of the roses fiction because they're not the main players That works for me as a reader who already knows the wars of the roses well and so I can gain novelty and enjoyment from reading the same tale again from this fresh new angle, but for other readers it may be different.

Maybe I've been spoiled by Sharon Penman's Sunne in Splendour , but that remains the definitive wars of the roses epic for me. Meanwhile, The Stolen Crown is a darn good read. Jun 12, Jennifer rated it really liked it. I enjoyed this novel for it's refreshing perspective on the Buckingham rebellion and the marriage between Henry Stafford and Katherine Woodville. It is a shame that one historical record can become the defining word upon such a thing as a marriage and the author quotes in her author's note the words of Dominic Mancini that are taken as the basis for the nature of Henry and Kate's marriage: Therefore, it was very interesting to me to read a much more balanced version of their marriage and I felt as though Ms.

Higginbotham gave sound reasoning for her decision to portray it as such. Sometimes we have to realize that the facts are there in front of us, if we would just get past the murky waters of historical bias. Overall, I really liked both characters and enjoyed reading of how their relationship changed as they grew up together. A child marriage may seem strange to a modern day reader, but through this novel I could clearly see how Henry and Kate became a strong couple due to their shared experiences in childhood as well as adulthood.

It was very well-written. Even though it does not affect the quality of the novel itself I will note that the author is not a follower of Richardian ideas, which seem to be rather prevalent in historical fiction these days. That is not to say that she portrays Richard as a monster in keeping with Shakespeare, but rather he is not portrayed as either devil nor saint.

He was a man as any other, with ambitions and dreams and a measure of both good and bad. However, if you do not respond well to anything other than saint then this novel is not for you. Again, not a reflection on the novel itself, only a caution to those with strong feelings on the matter. In my opinion though, Ms. Higginbotham has researched the facts and portrayed the events in a way that resonates with her, as every Cousins War author does. Truthfully, this varied number of perspectives is one of the reasons why this is my favorite era of British history.

I could read about it forever, and it would never get old! The secret marriage is that of Katherine's sister to King Edward IV this marriage led to the elevation of the entire Woodville family and is why Katherine and Henry were wed while they were still both children. The stolen crown refers to events much later than King Edward's marriage -- but I don't want to spoil for those not familiar with t 4.

The Stolen Crown: The Secret Marriage That Forever Changed the Fate of England b | eBay

The stolen crown refers to events much later than King Edward's marriage -- but I don't want to spoil for those not familiar with the story. I really enjoyed this take on some of the events in the period of the War of the Roses. The story unfolds from the perspective of both Henry and Katherine. While some of the story is confusing because it seems that many of the major players during this time are named: Edward, Margaret, Elizabeth, or Henry, but there is a character listing in the front.

Since I was kindling, I did not use it and was able to keep the story straight. This is my first exposure to the overall story, although I know that there are several other works including Shakespeare's which offer their own conclusions. In the author's note, Higginbotham outlines what some of the key mysteries are and how she reached her conclusions. The style of story-telling and the voices seemed very modern.

This style made the book a quick read for me, but I'm sure that some folks may not like the modern voice. This was one of those books that I was sad when it ended and even though I knew from the start, that it didn't necessarily have a happy ending, I was still routing for the couple all the way to the end. I will definitely be picking up other works by this author. May 01, Adelheid rated it did not like it.

This book is heavily biased toward that Lancasters and not for experts on The War of the Roses. It comes off especially bad, if one supports Richard's actions against the Woodvilles. Having done heavy research into that time period, Henry: Seeing him glorified and Richard portrayed as he is in Shakespeare's Tudor biased History is too hard to swallow. Further more, there were Historical inaccuracies in the This book is heavily biased toward that Lancasters and not for experts on The War of the Roses.

Further more, there were Historical inaccuracies in the very first ten pages! Two battles were merged into one and History was thrown into a parallel dimension when Henry VI was killed after his first capture, not after he had escaped, retook his thrown, then was captured again. Never mind that Prince Edward had still been a little boy at the time. This book had been presented to me as the view point of Elizabeth Woodville, not Catherine it was spelled with a C people!

This could account for one of my one stars. I would rather see an unbiased view at how clever, yet calculating, she was. After all, SHE managed to get a king to marry her, despite the unpopularity of the decision and the fact that he was contracted to marry someone else. Despite being imprisoned, SHE managed to get a message to a one time enemy Magaret Beufort and form an alliance that made her daughter queen as well. This is the first of Susan Higginbotham's books for me. It certainly will not be my last! She was recommended to me because my friends know I love Historical Fiction. I really appreciate the skill used to weave the few know facts into a wonderful read!

Feb 12, Kimberly rated it really liked it. My original review of this novel can be found on my blog; http: I really enjoy her writing style, because it's easy to follow, and the dialogue and actions don't feel forced at all. Her descriptions of events and dialogue between characters always seems to flow. They are l My original review of this novel can be found on my blog; http: They are looking back on their lives and telling the reader their story, and what lead up to their present situation, and to Harry's eventual downfall at such a young age.

It's a touching story, made even more so because it is told in first person, so as a reader you get attached to the characters. We are introduced to Kate and Harry as children, and we are able to read about their lives and the mistakes they made in their youth. The novel begins with King Edward IV and his scandelous marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, and then it focuses on one of the advantageous marriages that were made for her sisters. Katherine Woodville is the youngest sister of six girls i think , and as she comes from little money, she has no dowry.

Were it not for her sister marrying the King, it would have been difficult to find Kate an advantageous marriage. Harry, Duke of Buckingham and the newly crowned King Richard III become the best of friends, and Richard III raises Harry up high, and grants him land as well as many other honors, which of course brings Harry more enemies mo' money, mo' problems, right? Susan's version of what happened to the princes in the Tower one of many versions , is that Richard III ordered them to be killed, so that they could not come between himself and the throne.

There are many different theories about what happened to the princes, who killed them; and the rumor that Richard had his nephews offed is the one that Susan Higginbotham is going with in this novel. According to The Stolen Crown, Harry is so overwelmed with guilt at the thought of being friends and supporting a King who would kill children, that he helped to come up with a plot to overthrow his former friend, King Richard III, and in turn to place Henry Tudor on the throne.

Things don't go as planned with the plot against King Richard III, and Harry ends up getting caught, put to trial, and sentenced to be beheaded.

Покупки по категориям

He tells his story in the first person as he is awaiting his death, while Kate tells her story at the same time, while she is banished to Brecon one of their land holdings. I am up in the air about Richard's involvement in his nephew's disappearances. Some author's blame King Richard III, because he didn't want them to come between himself and the throne. Other's believe that it was King Henry VII who had them killed, so that he could take the throne without the threat of York blood still looming over his reign.

I tend to be convinced of a different person's guilt after every book I read about this event in history! Who knows, maybe Richard III was the horrible man that was depicted in this novel, and in many others, as well as Shakespeare's play. I haven't researched the disappearance of the princes all that much, but even those who have devoted their lives to researching the princes have not found any conclusive evidence about who killed them, or even what really happened to them.

They just seemed to disappear shortly after Richard took the crown. Although I'm not sure if Richard ordered his nephews to be killed, nor do I have any idea of who it could have been if it wasn't him, I still enjoyed this novel. It made me look at the event from an entirely new perspective. I had never read anything from The Duke of Buckingham's point of view, and I really had no idea who Kate Woodville was.

This may not have been my favorite of Susan's books, but I liked it for the reason that I liked her other books; it allows me, as the reader, to learn about historical figures that I normally would not read about, and she gets inside of her characters heads and makes them come alive to the reader. I also like that I was able to follow these two characters from their childhood, where they were first introduced, and through their lives as they grew together as a couple, and then grew a part again towards the end.

The Stolen Crown was a good and easy read, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the disappearance of the princes or in one of the theory's of who ordered the princes deaths. Feb 06, Carol Rennie rated it liked it Shelves: Have read many versions of the War of the Roses and Kate Woodville Feb 20, Blodeuedd Finland rated it really liked it Shelves: And I am happy to say that I did the right thing. First of all I must say that she sure did an excellent job keeping all the different Edwards and Henrys and so on apart.

I went in after having studied the long lists of names in the beginning and wondered how this would turn out. But she kept track of them all and she made sure that I as the reader could keep track of them all. Cos oh yes the War of the Roses was a messy time, and then I am not only talking about all the people. The twist and turns, the constant backstabbing, I am amazed that any nobleman got through all that without loosing his head, one way or another.

And of course this book made me google, yes I could just not sit and read, I had to go google everyone so I would know things before they happened. Things that had happened long ago, trace lineages, oh this book was a treat for the history addict that I am. You know what, I will go google again after this.

I want to know more, because even if I knew things evil Richard screaming my kingdom for a horse , that was pretty much it. This book takes place at the center stage but at the same time not on it. It is the story about Katherine Woodville. Her sister married king Edward IV and that shook the country. They thought she was too lowborn, which in a way does not make much sense, except for on her fathers side.

But certain people had other plans for the king.

Then he married away her siblings and Katherine became Duchess of Buckingham. Fast forward a bit, fighting with the Neville family, fighting with his brother the duke of Clarence, fighting with the French, fighting with the old king and his entourage, and then he died. Then finally the civil war could end and York and Lancaster was reunited. This all the reader experiences through Kate's and Harry's eyes. Higginbotham managed to bring forth a troubled time in England's history and make it come alive. I love an author that can do that, and she did an excellent job.

She made me want to know more, and history felt so real. I really liked Kate, and I felt kind of sorry for her because some historian hasn't really had nice things to say about her, they made her marriage sound awful, and of course there are tons of rumors about her family. Witchcraft and so on. But after the way Richard III seized the throne no wonder. And she kept her hope up even after loosing so many of her kin. I truly liked the way she was shown. Same goes with Harry, even if he made some foolish choices. And it was nice to follow them from when they were kids.

And they have such a nice life together, I liked their lovestory. In the end no one can tell what really happened in their marriage, but I do believe this story. Higginbotham stayed true to the era with everything. She has done her research and it shows. She managed to incorporate the rumors for what they were, rumors about "famous" people. I am happy to have read this book, and after such a great historical book I really feel that I must read her previous novel, Hugh and Bess.

This is a book that history fans will enjoy a great deal. For the rest of you, well this story has romance, betrayal, war, backstabbing, political intrigue, wicked rumors and all those other things that any reader loves to read about. This book is for everyone in that aspect. Oh and you learn a lot! It feels like the genre Reason for reading: A copy from the publisher Final thoughts: Sep 20, Ashley Arthur rated it really liked it. My knowledge of British history is spotty at best, but I had a vague idea thanks to Shakespeare how the reign of Richard III would play out.

I thought the pace of the book was great, and I was impressed by how much ground was covered in less than pages. Here is my only complaint about this book. Half the male characters are named Richard or Edward and half the females are Elizabeth or Anne. More than once, I had to go back a few pages when I realized I had read a whole chapter thinking Higginbotham was talking about the wrong Richard. With the struggle over characters aside, this book was fascinating. It is told from the alternating perspectives of Harry and Kate, beginning when Kate was only around six years old.

Kate accidently stumbles on the secret wedding of her sister Bessie to King Edward. That marriage sets into motion everything that happens for the rest of the book. There is so much intriguing and plotting going on in every chapter that there never seems to be a good stopping place.

Surprisingly for a book set in England in the s, I did feel that this story had a very modern feel in one respect. More than anything else, this is a book about the way we talk ourselves into things. I would absolutely read another book by Susan Higginbotham. Apr 28, Sandra Hawk rated it really liked it. I'm finding the story line very engaging. It's a plot-driven first-person narrative with alternating storytellers that's pretty spare with respect to description and dialogue.

If you're looking for a lot of carefully detailed character development or finely crafted prose you aren't going to find it here. So if for you a good read requires those characteristics go elsewhere. The story starts off toward the end with Harry, Duke of Buckingham in prison and awaiting execution. Most of that first c I'm finding the story line very engaging.

The Queen and the Courtesan. Within the Hollow Crown. Call of the Raven. Jane Seymour, The Haunted Queen. The Reincarnation of Anne Boleyn. The Devil in Ermine. Jordan, and the Family They Made. Rivals in the Tudor Court. Twice Queen of France: Secrets of the Tudor Court. Her Highness, the Traitor. How to write a great review. The review must be at least 50 characters long. The title should be at least 4 characters long. Your display name should be at least 2 characters long. At Kobo, we try to ensure that published reviews do not contain rude or profane language, spoilers, or any of our reviewer's personal information.

You submitted the following rating and review. We'll publish them on our site once we've reviewed them.

Item s unavailable for purchase. Please review your cart. You can remove the unavailable item s now or we'll automatically remove it at Checkout.

The Stolen Crown: The Secret Marriage That Forever Changed the Fate of England

Continue shopping Checkout Continue shopping. Chi ama i libri sceglie Kobo e inMondadori. Jul 15, , Learn more - opens in a new window or tab. The Secret MarriageThat Fo On May Day, , six-year-old Katherine Woodville, daughter of a duchess who has married a knight of modest means, awakes to find her gorgeous older sister, Elizabeth, in the midst of a secret marriage to King Edward IV.

What is Kobo Super Points?

It changes everything-for Kate and for England. Then King Edward dies unexpectedly. Richard III, Duke of Gloucester, is named protector of Edward and Elizabeth's two young princes, but Richard's own ambitions for the crown interfere with his duties As the story unfolds through the unique perspective of Kate Woodville, it soon becomes apparent that not everyone is wholly evil-or wholly good.

Award-winning author Susan Higginbotham's The Stolen Crown is a compelling tale of one marriage that changed the fate of England forever. Praise for The Stolen Crown: A sweeping tale of danger, treachery, and love, The Stolen Crown is impossible to put down " -Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Cleopatra's Daughter "A fascinating and compelling look at a tumultuous era.

Susan Higginbotham writes the perfect blend of historical fact and fiction. With a single stroke, Susan Higginbotham transports her readers into a vividly portrayed past, where the turbulent lives of her characters become very real. Probably her best novel yet " -Helen Hollick, author of the Pendragon's Banner trilogy "A tale of love, palace intrigue, and betrayal Susan Higginbotham draws the reader under her spell, her characters vivid and real: She brings the dead to life.