Worthy of Royalty

Bennett (Figures in Silk) returns to medieval Europe with the story of French princess Catherine de Valois (1401–37). As the neglected youngest daughter of mad King Charles VI and the dissolute Queen Isabeau, Catherine endures a childhood filled with fear and upheaval. Her only stable influence comes from her tutor, the renowned poet and writer Christine de Pizan. It is through Christine that Catherine first meets Owain Tudor, a young man descended from the once powerful royal family of Wales. Raised in England after his family's capture and imprisonment, Owain now serves as a devoted page in Henry V's household. Catherine and Owain develop a deep friendship, one that will sustain her through her brief marriage to the English king in the wake of his victory at Agincourt, widowhood, and role as mother of an infant Henry VI, the future ruler of England and France. VERDICT Despite the suggestive title, readers searching for a steamy historical romance may have to look elsewhere. Instead, Bennett offers a compelling and occasionally solemn coming-of-age tale about a young woman who must navigate her conflicting roles as daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Highly recommended for all readers of historical fiction. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/15/09.]—Makiia Lucier, Moscow, ID

The year is 1560; Elizabeth of Valois (1544–68) has just become the third wife of King Felipe of Spain, and the talented female painter Sofonisba Anguissola (1532–1625) has been appointed art instructor to the young queen. In a court filled with all manner of politics, from religious debate to petty jealousies and forbidden love affairs, these two conflicted and often unhappy young women find in each other a much-needed friend and companion. Through the eyes of Sofi, Cullen captivates her readers with the thrill and drama of 16th-century Spain. Hewing closely to historical record, the author fills in enough spaces to make a satisfying story but strategically leaves certain details to the imagination, a trick that has the reader deliciously wishing for just a little bit more. VERDICT Marking a strong adult historical fiction debut for YA author Cullen (I Am Rembrandt's Daughter), this is a good choice for fans of Tracy Chevalier, Sarah Dunant, or Elizabeth Kostova's The Swan Thieves. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/09; highlighted in AAP's Librarians' Spring 2010 Sneak Preview.]—Leigh Wright, Bridgewater, NJ

"Yes, I will ever say that Anne Boleyn gave me life, but Kat Ashley gave me love." These words come from Elizabeth I in Harper's new historical. Harper, very popular for her Tudor mysteries (e.g., The Poyson Garden), is already well versed in the history of Elizabeth Tudor, but here she retells the familiar story from the point of view of Elizabeth's always present governess, Kat Ashley. The story traces Kat's life from her childhood in the wilds of Devon to being plucked from obscurity by Thomas Cromwell and brought to court to serve Anne Boleyn. From there Kat's life undergoes many twists and turns, including being imprisoned twice and charged with conspiracy to commit treason, dallying with the wrong man, and finally marrying the right one. VERDICT Well paced and full of pitch-perfect detail, Harper's novel brings new life to an old subject and, as good as the best of Philippa Gregory, is sure to be a big hit with historical fiction fans and book clubs.—Anna Nelson Karras, Collier Cty. P.L., Naples, FL