The King's Witch
Jul 2018 · Frances Gorges Historical Trilogy Book 1 · Atlantic Monthly Press
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About this ebook
In the acclaimed historian's debut novel, a lady-in-waiting in the court of King James is caught up in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
England, 1603. Nursing Queen Elizabeth through her last days, court healer Frances Gorges dreams of her parents' country estate, where she first learned to use the medicinal secrets of flowers and herbs. Frances is happy to stay at home when King James of Scotland succeeds to the throne of England. His court may be shockingly decadent, but his intolerant Puritanism sees witchcraft in many of the old customs—punishable by death.
When her ambitious uncle sends Frances back to the royal palace as a nanny to the princess, she is a ready target for the twisted scheming of the Privy Seal, Lord Cecil. As a dark campaign to destroy both King and Parliament gains momentum, Frances is surrounded by danger. She finding happiness only with the King's precocious daughter, and with Tom Wintour, the one courtier she feels she can trust. But even he has secrets to hide...In the acclaimed historian's debut novel, a lady-in-waiting in the court of King James is caught up in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
England, 1603. Nursing Queen Elizabeth through her last days, court healer Frances Gorges dreams of her parents' country estate, where she first learned to use the m...
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Ratings and reviews
4 reviews
S M (MaChienneLit)
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April 12, 2018
I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this ebook via NetGalley. This lively account of the Gunpowder Plot makes familiar events fresh by describing them from a unique point of view. Lady Frances Gorges, a herbalist and lady of the bedchamber to young Princess Elizabeth, finds herself drawn into the center of the conspiracy by her love interest, her family and even her own conscience. But can she keep herself and her loved ones safe in the coming maelstrom? This is an enjoyable read, but some facets of the plot are simply beyond the realm of belief. SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!! For example, it is unthinkable that a king so notoriously afraid of witchcraft would allow an accused witch to continue on as such a close attendant to his daughter, especially after she had been tortured, thus having been given reason to hate the king. In addition, there is no way that a royal princess would ever have been left alone with any man for any period of time for any reason. Frances would never have been the only noble female in attendance upon her at Coombe Abbey in the first place, and if she had been, she never would have left her leave with Lord Harrington on her own. These and other small details make the story somewhat less creditable, however, the novel is still an enjoyable read with much that does accurately reflect historical fact. This introductory novel to what is anticipated to be a trilogy has definitely piqued my interest, and I am highly likely to read the next installment upon its release.
1 person found this review helpful
Vivian Brandon
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July 13, 2018
Appealing, dark historical fiction. The Gorgees family served Queen Elizabeth of England until her death. The incoming King James of Scotland the had no love for the previous queen or those loyal to her; he ruled with fear and an iron fist! Struggled with the books beginning since it dragged. The pace picked up as did the story's action. Liked seeing Frances mature. Had to reduce a half star due to high price of ebook. Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.
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Rosemary Marie
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March 11, 2023
Loved the story.
About the author
Tracy Borman is England’s joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She studied and taught history at the University of Hull and was awarded a PhD in 1997. She is the author of a number of highly acclaimed books including The Private Lives of the Tudors: Uncovering the Secrets of Britain's Greatest Dynasty, Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant, Matilda: Wife of the Conqueror, First Queen of England, Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen and Witches: A Tale of Sorcery, Scandal and Seduction. Borman is also a regular broadcaster and public speaker, giving talks on her books across the UK and abroad.
Tracy Borman is England’s joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She studied and taught history at the University of Hull and was awarded a PhD in 1997. She is the author of a number of highly acclaimed books including The Private Lives ...
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