The Queen's Lady

I do not read many historical novels but when I do I want one which manages to re-create the milieu, with an intriguing central character and a plot which twists and turns. I also got to like the author's style. "The Queen's Lady" has all four ingredients. Kyle's main character in the book, Honor Larke, lives in turbulent times, amidst very good people and some very bad ones, and she tries to tip-toe her way through some very sharp places! Like many of us, Honor is torn between different passions and tries to keep sane while making headway through the conflicts around her. This keeps the book alive. As does Kyle's writing style, often elegant, sometimes real fast. A great read - a great escape ! Go for it.

This is the first Barbara Kyle novel I've read, and I must say I'm now officially a fan! The Queen's Lady grabs your attention from the first few pages and then rockets you through the rest of the novel. A very riveting adventure. I would highly receommend it to anyone. Looking forward to seeing a sequel!

Those folks who enjoy the English romantic historical novel (and that includes most of us) will thrive on The Queen's Lady. Barbara Kyle transports us effortlessly into 16th century London and lets us share in all the intrigue and romance that goes with being connected to the court of King Henry VIII. But The Queen's Lady is not just about Honor Lark and her romances. The author is devastatingly merciless when she deals with the religious influences of the time, showing the manipulation of church in the interests of the state. It makes you glad we've separated the two -- and reminds us that we need to keep it that way!

I read this book at the behest of my wife. Normally, it's not something I'd read. This has to be one of the best books I've ever read. Beautifully written. Wonderfully crafted. But more importantly, it has something to say about the religious intolerance that's inflaming our world today. A romance and an adventure story with something to say -- how novel -- how refreshing. And lastly, if I wasn't happily married, and Honor Larke wasn't a fictional character and in a relationship, I'd propose to her.

In 1527 London, women have few choices they can make. To Honor Larke she can select between a marriage that sounds like incarceration or serving Her Majesty, Queen Catherine of Aragon. She chooses the latter as the court will be exciting while marriage will be boring; in either case she knows she must obey. After informing her guardian, Sir Thomas More, Honor joins the court of Henry VIII. However, she quickly is appalled at how poorly the monarch and his supplicants scorn the queen while kissing the king's butt. Honor becomes outraged when the King humiliates his wife by demanding Rome grant him a divorce while he plays around with Anne Boleyn. Loyal to her Queen and her friend, Honor carries letters to her Majesty's Queen's allies that if caught will behead her for seditious acts. All is well until that foppish cavalier whom she desires, Richard Thornleigh, catches her. Intrigue, betrayal and avarice are the fuels of King Henry's court as THE QUEEN'S LADY quickly learns. Honor lives up to her name as she feels a strong loyalty to the tossed aside Queen and acts on her fidelity at the risk to her life. Thornleigh is actually a more interesting character than the title protagonist as the audience is not sure whether he is an early sixteenth century Pimpernel, a genuine fop, a traitor or a "secret agent". Fans of historical fiction with a romantic subplot enhancing the era will enjoy Barbara Kyle's deep look at King Henry's first marriage that had ramifications across Europe. Harriet Klausner