Tudor Saga
13 primary works • 15 total works
Book 1
If you like Philippa Gregory, you will love this vibrant and captivating historical page-turner from multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy - the perfect blend of history with romance and drama.
'Full - bloodied, dramatic, exciting' - THE OBSERVER
'Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterization has become one of the country's most widely read novelists.' - THE SUNDAY TIMES
'It is hard to better Jean Plaidy . . . both elegant and exciting' - DAILY MIRROR
'Excellent. Jean Plaidy really knows how to bring history to life.' -- ***** Reader review
'Great, exciting. Couldn't put down' -- ***** Reader review
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In the aftermath of the bloody Wars of the Roses, Henry Tudor has seized the English crown, finally uniting the warring Houses of York and Lancaster through his marriage to Elizabeth of York.
But whilst Henry VII rules wisely and justly, he is haunted by Elizabeth's missing brothers; the infamous two Princes, their fate in the Tower forever a shrouded secret.
Then tragedy strikes at the heart of Henry's family, and it is against his own son that the king must fight for a bride and his throne...
The Tudor Saga continues in Katharine, the Virgin Widow.
Book 2
A beautifully evocative and enthralling historical novel from multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy - perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory.
'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama' -- New York Times
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting' - Observer
'Splendidly written and wonderfully descriptive' -- ***** Reader review
'I couldn't put it down once I had started reading it' -- ***** Reader review
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The young Spanish widow, Katharine of Aragon, has become the pawn between two powerful monarchies. After less than a year as the wife of the frail Prince Arthur, the question of whether the marriage was ever consummated will decide both her fate and England's.
But whilst England and Spain dispute her dowry, her unexpected escape from poverty waits in the wings: Henry, Arthur's younger, more handsome brother - the future King of England.
He alone has the power to restore her position, but at what sacrifice?
The Tudor Saga continues in The Secret of the Pomegranate.
Book 3
A deliciously atmospheric, moving and evocative historical novel from multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy - perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory.
'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama' -- New York Times
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting' - Observer
'Easy to read and hard to put down' -- ***** Reader review
'A compulsive, enjoyable and interesting read' -- ***** Reader review
'If you like history, and/or historical fiction, Jean Plaidy is the one for you. She has a knack for pulling you right into the story straight away' -- ***** Reader review
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The young King Henry VIII spends his time basking in the pageants and games of his glittering court - all the while, his doting queen's health and fortunes fade. Henry's affection for his older wife soon strays, and the neglected Katherine decides to use her power as Queen to dangerous foreign advantage.
Overseas battles play on Henry's volatile temper, and his defeat in France has changed the good-natured boy Katherine loved into an infamously callous ruler.
With no legitimate heir yet born, Katherine once again begins to fear for her future...
The Tudor saga continues in The King's Secret Matter.
Book 4
Historical romance at its very best: fans of Philippa Gregory will love this captivating journey back in time from multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy.
'Jean Plaidy conveys the texture of various patches of the past with such rich complexity' - Guardian
'These books are page-turners; they offer a wonderful way to learn about history... and their stories will remain with you for ever' -- Daily Express
'Every bit as exciting and moving today as they were when first written.' -- Woman & Home
'Such an amazing book! Full of twists and turns, kept me hooked!' -- ***** Reader reviews
'Another masterpiece from Jean Plaidy about Henry VIII.' -- ***** Reader reviews
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After twelve years of marriage, the once fortuitous union of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon has declined into a loveless stalemate. Their only child, Mary, is disregarded as a suitable heir, and Henry's need for a legitimate son to protect the Tudor throne has turned him into a callous and greatly feared ruler.
When the young and intriguing Anne Boleyn arrives from the French court, Henry is easily captivated by her dark beauty and bold spirit.
But his desire to possess the wily girl leads to a deadly struggle of power that promises to tear apart the lives of Katharine and Mary, and forever change England's faith...
The Tudor saga continues in Murder Most Royal.
Book 5
If you like Philippa Gregory, you will love this dazzlingly vivid historical novel from multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy. Two Queens at the mercy of a capricious King...
'Jean Plaidy doesn't just write the history, she makes it come alive' -- RNA
'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama' -- New York Times
'Very well researched, informative yet easy to read - brilliant' -- ***** Reader review
'Gripping, captivating, very hard to put down' -- ***** Reader review
'I was hooked from the first page' -- ***** Reader review
'An excellent book to curl up with' -- ***** Reader review
'Riveting' -- ***** Reader review
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At the decadent French court of King François, the young Anne Boleyn grows into an enigmatic and striking woman, a temptation to many courtiers. But whilst Anne's ambitions are high, she has learned from her sister's unfortunate reputation. Unlike Mary, Anne refuses to become a mistress - even one to a King.
So when Anne returns to the English court of Henry VIII, it is the King, captivated by this mysterious young lady, who is forced to do the wooing.
Before long Henry is lured away from his stale marriage to Katharine of Aragon. But the new Queen Anne is not loved by the people, and it is only a matter of time before Henry's patience runs out...
The Tudor saga continues in St Thomas's Eve.
Book 6
Step back in time with multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy as she expertly paints a picture of Tudor England and its capricious and fickle King and court. This captivating and compelling historical novel is perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory.
'Plaidy brings home the tyranny of Tudor government' -- Times Literary Supplement
'Jean Plaidy's graceful study of Sir Thomas More and his family makes a novel that the reader can sink into and enjoy... sketched vividly and sympathetically. A rewarding book' -- Scotsman
'These books are page-turners; they offer a wonderful way to learn about history... and their stories will remain with you for ever' -- Daily Express
'A moving, beautiful inspiration of a book' -- ***** Reader review
'Jean Plaidy has a talent for bringing historical figures to life' -- ***** Reader review
'Great read!' -- ***** Reader review
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Henry VII once warned his son, the future King of England, not to trust Thomas More; years later that same son made More his confidante and advisor. But the allegiance is dangerously one-sided. A family man, lawyer and writer, More's ambitions are humble, whilst Henry's are endless.
As More's career at court rises so too does his religious fervour, much to the concern of his eldest daughter, Margaret More. Meg, as she is fondly called, is torn between her heretic husband and the secrets her father has confided in her, and already fears that one day her father will make the ultimate sacrifice for his faith.
The Tudor saga continues in The Sixth Wife.
Book 7
Delve deep into a superb, fictionalised account of Henry VIII's sixth Queen, the mysterious Katharine Parr, written by multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy. This vibrant and captivating historical page-turner, perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, is guaranteed to have you hooked from page one...
'Jean Plaidy doesn't just write the history, she makes it come alive.' -- Julia Moffat, RNA
'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama' -- New York Times
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting' - Observer
'A must read' -- ***** Reader review
'I could not put this book down once I started reading' -- ***** Reader review
'A pleasure to read' -- ***** Reader review
'She makes history come alive' -- ***** Reader review
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Katharine Parr has unwittingly become the last pawn in King Henry VIII's ambitions for an heir.
Already twice widowed, Katharine finally dares to hope that she might find love with the dashing Thomas Seymour - but Henry has decided he must have a sixth wife and Seymour's intentions to marry Katharine have not gone unnoticed.
Unable to refuse the King of England, Katharine becomes his reluctant bride.
Once again it seems only a matter of time before another wife's fate leads her to the Tower of London. Will fate be kind to her...?
The Tudor saga continues in The Thistle and the Rose.
Book 8
With the expert attention to historical detail, the wonderfully evocative depiction of times past and vivid characterisation that we have come to expect from multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy, this is the scandalous and heartbreaking story of Margaret Tudor, the princess whose future was used to end war and unite kings. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory.
'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama' -- New York Times
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting' -- Observer
'Outstanding' Vanity Fair
'It is hard to better Jean Plaidy ... both elegant and exciting' -- Daily Mirror
'Jean Plaidy never fails to captivate her audience' -- ***** Reader review
'I couldn't put this book down' -- ***** Reader review
'A truly great read' -- ***** Reader review
'A gripping story which flows at quite a pace' -- ***** Reader review
'She makes the characters come alive and you are drawn into the era she is writing about' -- ***** Reader review
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When King Henry VII negotiates peace with Scotland, his daughter's hand in marriage to James IV is the ultimate prize.
A true princess, Margaret Tudor leaves her beloved England and accepts her fate unquestioningly. But to her surprise she falls madly in love with the fearsome Scottish King and, as Queen of Scotland, she is initially happy.
But neither the marriage nor the peace are to last. When James IV is defeated in battle by Margaret's own brother, the widowed Queen is torn between fleeing to her home and staying to protect her son's future as the new King of Scots.
It seems that once again Margaret's destiny is not to be her own...
The Tudor saga continues in Mary, Queen of France.
Book 9
This is the captivating story of Princess Mary - royal treasure, royal pawn and royal rebel. Fans of Philippa Gregory will love this gripping page-turner from international multi-million copy bestseller Jean Plaidy.
'Jean Plaidy doesn't just write the history, she makes it come alive.' -- RNA
'I couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review
'A compelling read' -- ***** Reader review
'I was gripped from the first page' -- ***** Reader review
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Princess Mary Rose is the youngest sister of King Henry VIII, and one of the few people whom he adores unconditionally. Known throughout Europe for her charm and beauty, Mary is the golden child of the Tudor family and is granted her every wish. Except when it comes to marriage.
Henry, locked in a political showdown with France, decides to offer up his pampered sister to secure peace between the two mighty kingdoms.
Mary is unwillingly sent to France to marry the ailing King Louis, leaving behind her true love, Charles Brandon.
But she will do anything to be reunited with Charles, even defy her brother, the most feared man in Europe...
Book 10
Set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe, the Spain of the dreaded Inquisition, and the tortured England of Bloody Mary, For a Queen’s Love is the story of Philip II of Spain—and of the women who loved him as a husband and father.
Philip was a dark and troubled man, who, like many royals, had been robbed of his childhood. His first marriage, a romantic union with childlike Maria Manoela, brought him tragedy and a troublesome son, Don Carlos. Then followed marriage with the jealously possessive Mary Tudor, a political union that ultimately failed to bring Philip an heir that would solidify the unified power he so deeply desired. And finally, marriage again to a young bride Philip stole from his unbalanced son, sowing the seeds of brutal murder. But history is seldom what it seems, and in the hands of beloved author Jean Plaidy, we hear another side to the story of Philip II—the most powerful of kings who was at once fanatic, murderer, husband, father, and lover.
Book 10
AA fantastic blend of history and romance set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe - the story of Philip II of Spain and the Tudor Queen Mary.
To restore the power of Spain and bring England back to the iron embrace of the Holy Church, the young Philip agrees to marry Mary Tudor. His golden hair and pale skin fill the middle-aged Queen with thoughts of hitherto forbidden pleasures. Yet Philip is merely playing the servant to his country...
Set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe, the Spain of the dreaded Inquisition and the tortured England of Bloody Mary, this powerful novel traces the story of Philip II - and of the woman who came to know this cold-blooded monster only as a devoted husband and a sensual lover.
'Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation has become one of the country's most widely read novelists.' Sunday Times
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.' Observer
'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.' New York Times
'Outstanding' Vanity Fair
Book 11
Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, this is the wonderfully atmospheric, enthralling and vivid depiction of Elizabeth I's ardent and emotional love affair with Robert Dudley from international multi-million copy bestseller Jean Plaidy.
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting' -- Observer
'Outstanding' -- Vanity Fair
'It is hard to better Jean Plaidy when she is in form' -- Daily Mirror
'I couldn't put it down' -- ***** Reader review
'A compelling read' -- ***** Reader review
'I was gripped from the first page' -- ***** Reader review
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In the grim recesses of the Tower of London, two captives begin a passionate love affair that will last years but is destined to destroy them; one is Robert Dudley, the other is the future Queen of England, Elizabeth I.
Pardoned by Queen Mary, Dudley and Elizabeth are freed, but their mutual longing must be from a distance: Dudley is married, and as the next heir to the throne, Elizabeth must tread carefully...
Book 11
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester was the most powerful man in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. Handsome and clever, he drew the interest of many women—but it was Elizabeth herself that loved him best of all. Their relationship could have culminated in marriage but for the existence of Amy Robsart, Robert's tragic young wife, who stood between them and refused to be swept away to satisfy a monarch’s desire for a man that was not rightfully her own. But when Amy suddenly dies, under circumstances that many deem to be mysterious at best, the Queen and her lover are placed under a dark cloud of suspicion, and Elizabeth is forced to make a choice that will define her legacy.
Books 2-4
Legendary historical novelist Jean Plaidy begins her tales of Henry VIII’s queens with the story of his first wife, the Spanish princess Katharine of Aragon.
As a teenager, Katharine leaves her beloved Spain, land of olive groves and soaring cathedrals, for the drab, rainy island of England. There she is married to the king’s eldest son, Arthur, a sickly boy who dies six months after the wedding. Katharine is left a widow who was never truly a wife, lonely in a strange land, with a very bleak future. Her only hope of escape is to marry the king’s second son, Prince Henry, now heir to the throne. Tall, athletic, handsome, a lover of poetry and music, Henry is all that Katharine could want in a husband. But their first son dies and, after many more pregnancies, only one child survives, a daughter. Disappointed by his lack of an heir, Henry’s eye wanders, and he becomes enamored of another woman—a country nobleman’s daughter named Anne Boleyn. When Henry begins searching for ways to put aside his loyal first wife, Katharine must fight to remain Queen of England and to keep the husband she once loved so dearly.
