I've taken this from my unregistered keeper shelves to fulfil a BookCrossing friend's wish and carry Christmas Greetings into the south west!

Amazon Editorial Review: "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...Philippa Gregory blends passion, personalities and politics in this stunning novel of the Tudor court and a country divided."

Carrying Happy Christmas and New Year Greetings to a BookCrossing friend :-) Enjoy!

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A lovely surprise to come home to from the equally lovely Nu-Knees.
I loved the official book BC Bookstring :)
I am equally going to enjoy reading "The Virgins Lover" :)
Will read and forward. My pile of books, is now looking very enticing since this weekend's book inspired activities :)

Happy Christmas and New Year! x

The story is about Queen Elizabeth I (daughter of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII). The Queen has a number of suitors, but to only one her heart remains to and unfortunately he is a married man (Robert Dudley). Robert is married to his childhood sweetheart and first love, Amy Rudley, who is infertile and has had a number of pains in her chest (the reader, is led to believe she is dying of a broken heart, but I think it was more likely to be cancer)

Amy finds her husband a new home to live in and hopes that this will tame his wondering eye. In the mean time Elizabeth falls more and more deeply for the Master of the Horse (Robert). She falls hedonistically in love with him and begins to have allegedly engage in a sexual affair. In actual history we are led to believe that Elizabeth was put off by men due to her relations with Thomas Seymour. But Gregory, pursues the romancing of both Elizabeth and Robert. With their rooms naturally adjoined to one another, Elizabeth becomes the chase and the chased.

It is during this time, that rumours begin to grow thick and fast about the relations between the pair. The occasional looks seen between one another and the sneaking away on horses, to engage in outdoor love making. It is during this time of course that England is in big trouble, with France and Scotland. The only way forward, is that Elizabeth considers an ally to marry abroad and to steer England out of the mire of Mary (Queen of Scots).

From William Cecil (her advisor) Elizabeth feels it might be time to end the affair with Robert. He returns home to Amy and attempts to plea for a divorce and that "the queen will give us one." Funnily enough, didn't go down too well, particularly as the queen is the alleged mistress according to society. Amy grows more and more sickly. At one point she no longer has a home and seeks sanctuary from her neighbours and other relations.

With controversy still being a part of Elizabeth's life (she was a Puritan but used Catholic emblems on her crucifix), Elizabeth seeks comfort again in her lover. Similarly Robert and his wife, would change their religious beliefs from Catholic to Protestant quite frequently. The affair becomes reignited and in time Mary Queen of Scots invades Scotland for her own.

Robert intends to speak to his wife, Amy to sever their marital ties and to marry Elizabeth, in Gods name and reckoning. He is also adamant that he wants to be King to Elizabeth's Queen, to rule and take care of his country. Elizabeth does not want this and asks William Cecil, to causes an unwarranted stir with Amy, so that changes prevent Robert from wanting to be King. Unfortunately Amy is murdered (though it is believed she fell downstairs). Initially shocked and tried for her death, Robert then continues to pursue Elizabeth, like a crazy lap dog.

Reality kicks in and Elizabeth is offered the allegiance with Spain, to prevent the country from going into Civil War and by protecting also the Southern Netherlands.

A good book, well written and easy to read within a weekend. Elizabeth I was a tricky character and a controversial one at that. I recommend it to fellow historical fiction lovers and the previous books within this anthology.

Will release soon.

Thank you Nu-Knees for this lovely Christmas / New Year purchase for me :) You know me well, I love Philippa Gregory :)

Dropped off on the way to work

Repicked this book up from Weston in Gordano as the telephone box library, was full to the brim with boxes of old Mills and Boone, could barely get in the door! Yes I appreciate that probably raises a bizarre image...

Will move this one on to a new destination

Dropped off in Marchwood, near to where I used to live. I hope whoever finds this book, enjoys it :) It is entirely up to you whether you keep it or forward it on. You can become an Anonymous Finder or register at Book Crossing.com to find out a little bit more about Book Crossing and free books.