As captivating now as it was more than four centuries ago, the reign of Elizabeth I—with its scandal, intrigue, and resilience—has sparked the imaginations of generations. In her sweeping historical debut, Ella March Chase explores a thrilling possibility: that the Tudor bloodline did not end with the Virgin Queen.Tucked away in the country estate of her beloved father, Lord Calverley, young Nell … young Nell de Lacey feeds her hungry mind with philosophy, language, and studies of science. Her mother, once a devoted lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr, would rather her daughter stop dabbling in the grand affairs of men and instead prepare for her eventual duties as a wife. She knows all too well what menace lurks in royal courts.
But Nell’s heart yearns for something more, and a chance meeting with Princess Elizabeth, then a prisoner of the Tower of London, pushes her closer toward finding it. Now, years later, Nell’s chance arrives when she is summoned to serve as a lady-in-waiting to the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth. Nell is entranced by the splendor and pageantry of royal life, unaware of the danger and deception that swirls around the monarch and her courtiers.
But a lingering rumor about nine unaccounted for months in the Virgin Queen’s past reignites when the flame-haired Nell—a mirror image of Her Majesty both physically and intellectually—arrives at court. Quickly she catches the eye not only of the cunning Elizabeth, but of those who would see the queen fail. With strong evidence to connect Elizabeth to her newest maid of honor and the politics of England in turmoil, the truth could send Nell and those she loves to the Tower to join in the wretched fates of those who’ve gone before her.
Engrossing and enlightening, The Virgin Queen’s Daughter brings to life one of the greatest mysteries of one of the greatest monarchs. Ella March Chase’s vivid storytelling gives due credence to a daughter who might have been and a mother who never was.
From the Hardcover edition.
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Interesting premise – well written fiction
One of the most moving and provocative historical I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Well written.
Chase evokes a rich picture of the court of Elizabeth the First, it is a vast display of wealth, power and excess. Nell waits on the Queen and her academic interest and skill quickly make her a favourite, however her involvement with a courtier, the Angel Gypsy, Sir Gabriel Wyatt, gains her the Queen’s scorn. As Nell becomes further embedded in court life, she learns that enemies are everywhere and fails to ward off the interest of Wyatt who continues to pursue her.
The Virgin Queen’s Daughter is a strong read with great attention to historical detail. Although the links to Elizabeth and her possible childbearing are tenuous it is not beyond the realms of possibility that she had a lover. The Tudor period is the subject of much historical fiction due to the social and political changes and fascinating characters at the heart of the period and Chase’s novel takes historical discoveries and uses them to create a fun and thrilling story.
I started this book expecting it to be complete fluff, and while, for the most part, it was, it was still a good read. Elinore de Lacy is a country born gentlewoman in the mid 16th century who loves all things science. She’s very close to her father, who teaches her to become the scholar he knows she’s born to be. However, after a chance encounter with the captive Princess Elizabeth Tudor at the Tower of London in 1554, young Nell wishes with all her heart to go to court when she’s old enough and serve her captive princess once she becomes Queen. Her mother is none too pleased about this since there are many secrets regarding Nell’s birth that she is unaware of. Secrets that, if the wrong people find out, could mean her death.
I gotta say, I was a little curious as to why Nell’s mother didn’t just tell her the truth, why she had to be so vague about everything. Had Nell known the story, she wouldn’t have wanted to go to court, and the whole mess that followed would have been avoided…though I suppose that wouldn’t have made much of a book. I liked the fictional characters of Nell and Gabriel Wyatt, a courtier whose attentions to Nell are irritating yet exciting. My least favorite character was Elizabeth (this was through no fault of the author, though). I’ve only read a few books centered on Queen Elizabeth I, but every time I read one, it reminds me why I avoid them. I love her father, King Henry VIII, and have read plenty of books about him and his many wives. He’s arrogant, obnoxious, and tyrannical, but he’s Henry…you expect it from him. Elizabeth, however, is just a b**ch, and not the good kind. In every book I’ve read about her, she’s extremely childish in her need to be complimented ALL THE TIME. Having to constantly be assured of her beauty (which is questionable) and praised for her intellect. She can’t stand for anyone to find love and be happy…and God forbid if they have children, even married couples! She CHOSE to be the ‘Virgin’ Queen and never marry or have children, but why she expects everyone around her to do the same is beyond me. She may have been one of England’s greatest Queens, but she was NOT a likable person.
That aside, I absolutely recommend this book if you’re at all interested. Ms. Chase has done a fine job with her first foray into Historical Fiction. Her research was extensive and accurate, and her portrayal of all the characters was very true to history. I like that she chose to center her story on two fictional characters in an actual court. It gave her so much room to play with the story, and she keeps the flow of the book going at a great pace. I was never bored at any point while reading this. I definitely look forward to whatever it is Ms. Chase comes out with next, and I hope she keeps if in this genre…she does such a great job with it.
I love these books on history.
Loved it!!!
Although I couldn’t easily follow all the characters, I found this historical novel very interesting. I wish I had reviewed the history of England under Henry 8th & Elizabeth Tudor. The tale may have been true & inspired me to review the history of the era. I had trouble putting the book down .descriptions of London& it’s brutal leaders are probably true. The plot was full of intrigue & excitement & enlightened me of the scientific & religious ignorance of that time
The premise was intriguing. I know a bit about the period and I found it to be plausible that Elizabeth I had a child. Interesting watching her navigate the court intrigues.
Very enjoyable. Specially liked romance that was intense and subtle at same time. I liked the colorfully written scenes and background, Elizabeth’s character was intriguing and what I think a queen would need to be. still think about the storey. Worth reading.
Moved too slowly
I found it unnecessarily wordy. Did not finish it.
Interesting premise – well written fiction
One of the most moving and provocative historical I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Well written.