Born into poverty and raised in a brothel, Nell Gwynne sells oranges in the pit at London’s King’s Theater, newly reopened after the plague and the Great Fire devastated the city. Soon, her quick sense of humor and natural charm get her noticed by those who have the means to make her life easier....
From critically acclaimed historical novelist Diane Haeger comes "The Ruby Ring," an unforgettable story of love, loss, and immortal genius . . . Rome, 1520. The Eternal City is in mourning. Raphael Sanzio, beloved painter and national hero, has died suddenly at the height of his fame. His body l...
This is a sympathetic portrayal of King George IV and his relationship with Maria Fitzherbert, who was his first wife but was never recognized as such by English law. I just finished this novel yesterday. I read it over the course of two days, while my back was out, I pretty much read straight th...
For fans of The Tudors comes a captivating drama about the only woman who could defy Henry VIII -and keep her life. Mary Tudor, the headstrong younger sister of the ruthless King Henry VIII, has always been her brother's favorite-but now she is also an important political bargaining chip. When...
The hall was lit by dozens of shimmering white tapers flaring in silver wall braziers and chandeliers above, and the floor was strewn with sweet green rushes. In spite of the massive space, the room was filled with the scent of food and unwashed flesh. The music, a volte, was upbeat, played by mu...
Yet competition loomed. The court poet, Thomas Wyatt, had begun a bold flirtation with the raven-haired beauty, whose skill at tying the king into romantic knots seemed unparalleled. Jane knew about it mainly because the queen’s friends delighted in seeing His Highness’s pained fits...
It is my opinion that the Dauphin should divorce her.” “Divorce?” the King scoffed. “Impossible! I shall leave those unsavory matters to the house of England, at which my good brother Henry has become so proficient. No. Divorce shall not happen in the house of France.” It was the first of April, ...
On one side of him, Anne Boleyn pleaded and cried, threatening to withhold her favor forever, which drove mad a man accustomed to having everything he desired. On the other side were Henry’s son and Bess—a ready-made family, taunting his heart and his conscience with a choice of lust or love. &nb...