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The Favored Queen

A Novel of Henry VIII's Third Wife

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The Favored Queen

By: Carolly Erickson
Narrated by: Kate Reading
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From The New York Times bestselling author of The Last Wife of Henry VIII comes a powerful and moving novel about Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII, who married him only days after the execution of Anne Boleyn and ultimately lost her own life in giving him the son he badly needed to guarantee the Tudor succession

Born into an ambitious noble family, young Jane Seymour is sent to Court as a Maid of Honor to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's aging queen. She is devoted to her mistress and watches with empathy as the calculating Anne Boleyn contrives to supplant her as queen. Anne's single-minded intriguing threatens all who stand in her way; she does not hesitate to arrange the murder of a woman who knows a secret so dark that, if revealed, would make it impossible for the king to marry Anne.

Once Anne becomes queen, no one at court is safe, and Jane herself becomes the victim of Anne's venomous rage when she suspects Jane has become the object of the king's lust. Henry, fearing that Anne's inability to give him a son is a sign of divine wrath, asks Jane to become his next queen. Deeply reluctant to embark on such a dangerous course, Jane must choose between her heart and her loyalty to the king.

Acclaimed biographer and bestselling novelist Carolly Erickson weaves another of her irresistible historical entertainments about the queen who finally gave Henry VIII his longed for heir, set against the excitement and danger of the Tudor Court.

Fiction Historical Fiction Royalty Tudor Marriage Heartfelt Rage
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Critic reviews

“A delectable serving of Tudor dish.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Suspenseful and detailed, the novel captures a dramatic moment in history and will sear you with sorrow for this doomed daughter of the last tsar.” —People magazine on The Tsarina's Daughter

“I read The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette in two days, and when I finished it, I re-read the final pages, as hungry for more as a child scraping the last crumbs of chocolate cake off her plate with her fingers.” —New York Times Book Review on The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette

“Entertaining.” —USA Today on The Last Wife of Henry VIII

“Steer Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory fans immediately to this satisfying read-alike . . . [an] historical tour de force.” —Booklist on The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots

“An exquisitely realistic portrait of Tudor England. . . . compelling reading. . . . Historical fiction fans can't get enough of the Tudors; this engaging story is a worthy addition to the genre.” —Library Journal on Rival to the Queen

“A top-notch narrative . . . romantic and gripping.” —Publishers Weekly on The Tsarina's Daughter

“A fast-paced, lavishly detailed narrative.” —Kirkus Reviews on The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots

“Fascinating . . . highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred review) on The Hidden Diary of Marie Antionette

All stars
Most relevant
Well I liked it, that is if you want to take but a humble strangers opinion

twas good

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Enjoyed this story and the twists put in it by the author's imagination.
The ending was very touching.

great story. entertaining.

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The story is interesting and well narrated. It's historically accurate enough to make it credible and with enough creativity to make it entertaining.

Very good

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Would you listen to The Favored Queen again? Why?

It wasn't an 'edge of your seat' sort of book, so I don't think I will listen to it again, but it was an interesting idea and well written so I am glad I listened to it once.

Which character – as performed by Kate Reading – was your favourite?

The main character and biggest voice in this book was Jane herself, and Kate Reading did a very good job capturing her essence.

Any additional comments?

I really wanted to read a book about Jane Seymour. She wasn't the most dramatic of Henry VIII's wives and so there are very little historical fiction books based on her. Listening to the book you can kind of see why - she doesn't make a stir or rock the boat, just sits in the background and observes some of the more exciting stories relating to Henry's queens.

From the little there was to work with, Carolly Erickson did a great job. The book was well written and I was interested by her interpretation of Jane's character and life. It was a 'nice' little tale but overall this book is not edge of your seat stuff, more middle of the road. However, it was interesting and performed well and so I am glad I listened to it.

A 'nice' story

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As a story to listen to, overall I enjoyed it. However, the author has played fast and loose with the historical facts.

Not very factual

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