The Queen’s Rival by Diane Haeger

February 29, 2012 by Christina

Fiction — print. New American Library, 2011. 405 pgs. Gift. King Henry VIII’s sexual liaisons have been well-documented in both fictional and nonfiction books as well as popular culture. His affair with Elizabeth “Bessie” Blount is often mentioned by authors who tackle this time period because Bessie gave birth to the King’s recognized but illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy. Haeger’s novel is the first I’ve read where Bessie is truly the focus of the tale. I received this book as a […]

Categories: 2012 Reads, Europe, Fiction, United Kingdom • Tags: Diane Haeger

The Secret Wife of King George IV by Diane Haeger

January 16, 2009 by Christina

Fiction — print. St. Martin’s Press, 2000. 372 pgs. Library copy. Although it was illegal, secret, and against the express command of his famously mad father, King George IV of England married twice – once for duty and once for love. While Caroline of Brunswick eventually became his lawful queen, it was the beautiful Maria Fitzherbert, recognized as his wife by the Catholic Church but not by the laws of England, who claimed his heart. My interest in Maria Fitzherbert […]

Categories: 2009 Reads, Europe, Fiction, Reread, United Kingdom • Tags: Diane Haeger