Since I read so much historical fiction, I started coming up with lists of my favorite books from different regions and/or historical periods. I thought I might share them on my blog over the next couple weeks.
This week's list focuses on Tudor England. There are a ton of books out there that are set in Tudor England; at times, I definitely feel like I need a break from that era. Also, because there are so many books set in Tudor England, there are a lot of books out there that aren't very good. Below are some of my favorite books set in Tudor England:
The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir- I enjoyed this book because it focused on Elizabeth's life prior to becoming queen and was very different from other books about Elizabeth.
Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir-This is my favorite book about Lady Jane Grey. I have read several about her and none can compare.
The Queen's Pleasure by Brandy Purdy-Robert Dudley's wife is the main focus of this book but I liked it because it was about Elizabeth's reign without really being about Elizabeth. Plus it provided an interesting mystery.
The Forbidden Queen by Anne O'Brien-While this book isn't set in Tudor England, it is about Katherine of Valois who began the Tudor dynasty. Anne O'Brien's books are fantastic and this one was no different.
Gilt by Katherine Longshore-Katherine Howard is the focus of this work of YA historical fiction. It's the first in a trilogy and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Her Highness, the Traitor by Susan Higginbotham - I would recommend reading anything by Susan Higginbotham. This is a very unique, well-researched and well-written book about the Dudley and Grey families as they struggle for power after the death of Edward VI.
The Flower Reader by Elizabeth Loupas-Loupas' novel is set in Scotland during Mary, Queen of Scots reign. It's not really a 'Tudor England' book but it's a Tudor era book and is a very good read.
Pale Rose of England by Sandra Worth-What I love about this book is it is set in Tudor England but during the reign of Henry VII. There isn't a lot out there set during his reign so it's nice to read something different.
Have you read any of these books? Are there any books set in Tudor England that you loved that aren't on this list?
I love Allison Weir's books, and Innocent Traitor by for my favorite by her. And while I have read both of her books you've listed, as well as The Queen's Pleasure the others I haven't. But there's some, the Flower Reader and Gilt in particular, that I'd love to read.
ReplyDeleteAs for ones to add, I tend to primarily enjoy books taking place before or after this period more, but do remember reading The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George in high school, and really enjoying it. I also loved Mary, Queen of France by Jean Plaidy, which is about Henry VIII's younger sister.