I’m sooooo glad that I managed to convince my Mommy to start blogging again. I am just as glad that I stared at her and tapped her ever so gently on the hand when she created Elza Reads. She really does need to learn to watch the cat from the tree (it’s an Afrikaans expression) before she leaps. And those alluring ducks, she needs to get them in a row. That’s why I am supervising the blog this time around. Cats are known for their patience and thoroughness. Okay, I’m rambling here. Thanks to me, Mommy has a blogroll and if I didn’t create that, she never would have stumbled on this amazing book tag!
Elizabeth of York
Elizabeth of York became the first Tudor queen when she married Henry VII in 1486, a marriage which brought an end to the Wars of the Roses. Even though their match grew into a genuine love match, Henry had to kill Elizabeth’s own uncle, Richard III, at the Battle of Bosworth to become king.
Book companion – The woman in the window by A.J. Finn Which family is real? No one and nothing, in either of these families, is who or what they/it seems.
Katherine of Aragon
Katherine was the first of Henry VIII’s six wives(and my favorite of the half dozen), and when Henry sought to divorce her, she fought until the bitter end to remain his queen. It was a battle she ultimately lost.
Book Companion – A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara This book had a huge impact on me. I did finish it. Took me months. It was sooooo heavy in every possible sense. Heavy to read, heavy to hold, heavy subjects….. I still gave it 5 stars though.
Anne Boleyn
Henry was so enamoured by his second queen that he broke away from Rome and founded his own church just so he could marry her, but when she didn’t give him the son she promised, he send poor Anne to her death (Off with her head!).
Book Companion – The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory Interesting choice for this book tag. I know. This was my first introduction in the Tudor saga. I read night and day and at that stage, I didn’t have a kindle yet, but read with an iRiver. Something went wrong with my download and I didn’t have the last couple of chapters. I THOUGHT I WOULD DIE!!! Can’t even remember how it got sorted, but it did. Most probably my awesome husband at the rescue again. But, after reading the rest of th series, this one wasn’t all that good…. I just know I won’t enjoy it again.
Jane Seymour
Queen number three was only queen for a year and a half. She gave Henry the son he longed for, but died days later. (I’ve always been wondering about her hair. Do you think she had pretty hair? Do you still get Jane Seymour shampoo?)
Book Companion – The President’s Hat by Antoine Laurain Does 208 pages count as short? This is easily one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read. I still want to use if for a Wednesday Wisdom too.
Anne of Cleeves
Henry chose to marry his fourth queen after only seeing a portrait of her. (He sure did start a trend there that are still alive and well in current society.)
Book Companion – Slade House by David Mitchell That cover is so alluring. It might be exactly the plan to draw you in. No, I haven’t read it yet. I might leave it for Halloween this year.
Kathryn Howard
Henry’s fifth queen was the youngest of his wives and the least experienced for life at court. When she was accused of adultery, Henry sent her to the block. Off with her head!
Katherine Parr
Katherine has long been remembered as Henry’s sixth wife, but what she should be remembered for is being the first woman to publish an English book in England under her own name.
Book Companion – The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon I have used this book for so many posts already and I will continue using it. One of the greatest books about a book, ever. It’s the first in a series called The cemetery of forgotten books.
Lady Jane Grey
Poor Jane was forced onto the throne to prevent her Catholic cousin, Mary, from taking charge in what had become a Protestant country. Mary brought and end to her reign after only nine days, and poor Jane paid the ultimate price for the position she’d been put in by the men around her when Mary send her to the block.
Book Companion – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Please hear me out here. I was rather content when the Harry Potter series finished (1 – 7). When The Cursed Child came out, I realised that I wanted more. And no, it just isn’t enough. I love Fantastic Beasts and where to find them. It offers a glimpse into Harry’s world long before he was even a twinkle in James Potter’s eye. It doesn’t take anything away, it simply adds to the magic. I think we need to know more about what comes after. Even the grandchildren will do.
Mary I
Commonly known as Bloody Mary, Mary restored England to Catholicism and, during her four year reign burned over 300 Protestants at the stake. (I wonder what she did with books that went against Catholicism?)
Book companion – Lord of the Flies by William Golding I am so getting burned at the stake for this one myself. I know I am… But first hear my out! This wasn’t prescribed reading at school and I’ve never read this during the age that I should have read it. I read it the first time in my late thirties. Good grief!! How on earth was/is that book prescribed reading for school children! It’s horrible!! I was shocked for days and had many sleepless nights.
Elizabeth I
Though Anne Boleyn failed to give Henry a son, the daughter she gave him would rule England for 44 years and bring about what was known as the Golden Age. (Shakespeare and all his great plays.)
Book Companion – The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope An oldie, but such a goody. This and Rupert of Hentzau are books that I will read again and again.
I could have sworn I commented on this, and I've just realised I didn't like a completely terrible person! Thanks for much for doing my tag. 😀 The Shadow of the Wind has been on my TBR for YEARS–I need to read it asap!
Hi Jess! Your tags are the best! Do make a new one soon… I love taking part. If I have time!
The Shadow of the wind is an absolute favorite. I still want to read the next one in the series as well.
I love this tag!! The only book I've read from your list is The Other Boleyn Girl but I'm a major history buff and Tudor history is a favourite so I'm totally going to do this tag sometime soon. 🙂
Hi Nicci! I'm also a huge history buff and this type of book tag is right up our alley!
Please share your tag with me, would love to see it.
Oh my goodness, this is fun. I think I need to read it again.
Hi Anouk! Yes! It's one of those books I can never stop talking about.
I'm so glad I saw this on your blog! Yea to blogroll and great bloggers!
Nice to see what books you chose. The Shadow of the Wind is indeed an amazing book about books!
Hi Dedra, All the Ugly and Wonderful things is a great, great book. I still think about it. Disturbing, but yes, the author did a magnificent job!
Aaaaah, Sherry – I am so glad to hear that.
You are the best of the best Heather!
Great tag! All the Ugly and Wonderful Things was such an interesting book. I thought the author did a phenomenal job with such a hard subject.
every time i come over here i can't help but smile. thanks for sharing
sherry @ fundinmental
What a great tag! I really need to brush up on my Tudor Queens!! I’ve sent you a message on FB messenger re: my blog template – just send me a message if you need anything else – it’ll come through in my proper name – Heather Duff!