Sumptuous historical novel set in the court of Elizabeth I, from Sunday Times No.1 bestseller Philippa Gregory, the author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Elizabeth I has acceded to the throne of England, a position she has waited and schemed for all her life. She is surrounded by advisers, all convinced that a young woman cannot form political judgements. Elizabeth feels that she can rely on just one man: her oldest friend, Robert Dudley. It is soon plain that he is more than merely a friend.

In a house in the countryside waits a very different woman, Amy Robsart – Robert’s wife. She has no taste for life at court and longs for the day when her husband will return home. She has loved him since she was a girl, but now they are adults she hardly sees him.

Meanwhile, the pressure grows for Elizabeth to marry, for it is unthinkable that a queen should rule on her own. Elizabeth’s preference is clear, but he is unavailable. But what if the unthinkable were to happen…

A fab book that needs a new home.

I really enjoyed this book, I hope you do to.

I've wanted to read this for the longest time! Thank you for the Partridge in a Pear tree package! Thank you also to all the extra goodies! I received Pear drops, pears soap, an Iain PEARS(get it!?) book, a partridge dec and a Partridge in a Pear tree dec! Great exchange :D

I have read and loved every single one of Philippa Gregorys Tudor court novels and I was so excited for this one but it let me down. I don't think it's Philippa's fault entirely. I think it's Elizabeth. That might sound like an odd thing to say but I really struggle with books about her. And even with films and TV shows (Never even managed to make it through that box set about her). It doesn't help that I'm utterly obsessed with her mother. Elizabeth just doesn't hold my attention like Anne does. Philippa doesn't help with this by making Elizabeth so weak and annoying. And she gives us more of an insight to Amy, which in turn makes me feel really sorry for her. And Robert! I hate Robert in anything. Hated him much more in this! How dare he tell Elizabeth what to do!? And how pathetic of her to listen to him! The theory for Amy's death was a new one to me. One worth thinking about.

I hope you like this book more than I did. I was so exctied at finally being able to tag someone in the game, been wanting to play for ages!

This came in the post today - thanks very much! :)

I really enjoyed this - thank you for sharing it!

I agree - Elizabeth is so annoying in this! I too felt really sorry for Amy and very intrigued by the mystery of her death. I also agree with you about Robert!
I found the petulant power-plays between Elizabeth, Cecil and Dudley absolutely fascinating though.

Reserving this book for a VBB on historical fiction starting shortly after Christmas. :)

This was chosen from the VBB so off to its next reader. Hope you enjoy it!

With me now - thank you. Look forward to reading, however it may be a while MTBR just got bigger ! :)