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Overview
Trapped in the Wars of the Roses, one woman finds herself sister to the queen...and traitor to the crown
"The Wars of the Roses come spectacularly to life in Susan Higginbotham's compelling new novel about Kate Woodville, sister to Queen Elizabeth of England. A sweeping tale of danger, treachery, and love, The Stolen Crown is impossible to put down!"
-Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Cleopatra's Daughter
"A fascinating and compelling look at a tumultuous era. Susan Higginbotham writes the perfect blend of historical fact and fiction."
-Elizabeth Kerri Mahon, creator of the Scandalous Women blog
Katherine Woodville's sister never gave her a choice. A happy girl of modest means, Kate hardly expected to become a maker of kings. But when her sister impulsively marries King Edward IV in secret, Katherine's life is no longer hers to control...
"A new King with a secret Queen; love and tears, loyalty and turmoil. With a single stroke, Susan Higginbotham transports her readers into a vividly portrayed past, where the turbulent lives of her characters become very real. Probably her best novel yet!"
-Helen Hollick, author of the Pendragon's Banner trilogy
"A tale of love, palace intrigue, and betrayal...Susan Higginbotham draws the reader under her spell, her characters vivid and real: their voices, their loves, their losses. She brings the dead to life."
-Christy English, author of The Queen's Pawn
Synopsis
It was a secret marriage...one that changed the fate of England forever
Publishers Weekly
Higginbotham's latest historical novel is set during England's turbulent War of the Roses. The title refers to King Edward IV's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, which serves as catalyst to the exploits of the main characters, Woodville's younger sister Katherine and her first husband, Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. Great artistic license is taken in fictionalizing their marriage as a mostly happy one. Those without a strong knowledge of the period will find the book daunting, due to ever-changing alliances and the sheer number of characters, but more knowledgeable readers may find the fruits of Higginbotham's imagination more difficult to swallow. Higginbotham's Henry seems to wander through his life making impolitic outbursts to King Edward, hero-worshipping Richard, and, later, innocently led by Richard's machinations. The majority of the book is narrated by Katherine, whom historians know very little about; she makes an appealing heroine, and those who can suspend disbelief will sympathize quite strongly with this character and the plight of a noble woman in Medieval times.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
Higginbotham's latest historical novel is set during England's turbulent War of the Roses. The title refers to King Edward IV's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, which serves as catalyst to the exploits of the main characters, Woodville's younger sister Katherine and her first husband, Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. Great artistic license is taken in fictionalizing their marriage as a mostly happy one. Those without a strong knowledge of the period will find the book daunting, due to ever-changing alliances and the sheer number of characters, but more knowledgeable readers may find the fruits of Higginbotham's imagination more difficult to swallow. Higginbotham's Henry seems to wander through his life making impolitic outbursts to King Edward, hero-worshipping Richard, and, later, innocently led by Richard's machinations. The majority of the book is narrated by Katherine, whom historians know very little about; she makes an appealing heroine, and those who can suspend disbelief will sympathize quite strongly with this character and the plight of a noble woman in Medieval times.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
A Hoyden's Look at Literature
An excellent job at portraying the conflicting loyalties of the Wars of the Roses.— Alana
A Reader's Respite
Higginbotham has, once again, taken page out of British history and brought it to life before our very eyes.— Michele
At Home With a Good Book and the Cat
A refreshing new look at the Yorks and the Lancasters... Impeccably researched.Becky's Book Reviews
There is a story to be told--a very dramatic one--and Higginbotham tells it well.— Becky Laney
Booklist
[Higginbotham] hits another historical high note in her latest... will appeal to fans of Philippa Gregory's historicals.— Margaret Flanagan
BookPleasures.com
The writing is wonderful, there are fantastic details and descriptions, and great character development.— Robin Jungbluth
Carla Nayland Historicla Fiction
Full of historical detail.— Carla Nayland
Celtic Lady's Ramblings
The author did an impeccable job of research and telling this story.— Kathleen
Confessions of a Muse in the Fog
Higginbotham has created a compelling and thrilling tale of the Wars of the Roses.— Svea Love
Devourer of Books
An enjoyable work of historical fiction told from an unique perspective.— Jen Karsbaek
Drey's Library
An engrossing read... one added to the history buff's bookshelf.— Drey
Genre Go Round
Entertaining... Fans of English historical fiction anchored by facts will enjoy the exciting saga of The Stolen Crown.— Harriet Klausner
Historical Novel Review
A worthy contribution to the debate, told from an interesting and novel point of view.Historical-Fiction.com
Reminiscent of Jean Plaidy.— Arleigh Johnson
Historically Obsessed
This is one of the gems I have been waiting for quite some time.— Elizabeth Johnson
Jenny Loves to Read
The story drew me in by the end of page one and I felt for each and every character, even Richard III.— Jennifer Ritter
Laura's Reviews
Riveting historical fiction.— Laura Gerold
Leslie's Psyche
The Stolen Crown has reminded me how captivating those people and events can be.— Leslie Gladnick
Psychotic State
I loved the richness of the characters, the way they were fully developed and I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of 15th century England... Higginbotham is firmly ensconced on my list of "must read" authors.— Lori Hedgpeth
Queen of Happy Endings
I loved Susan Higginbotham's account of this period in history more than any other I've read.— Alaine
Rundpinne
Beautifully written... Higginbotham's novel is not only well researched, but also expertly crafted rendering the reader unable to set the novel down.— Jennifer Higgins
S. Krishna's Books
Higginbotham uses vivid historical details in order to bring the places and people she is writing about to life.— Swapna Krishna
Tanzanite's Shelf and Stuff
The history is impeccably researched and the dialogue interesting, believable and often humorous.— Daphne
The Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
This book was a treat for the history addict that I am.— Blodeuedd
The Burton Review
A beautiful portrait... a finely woven web that traps you into the magnificent history of the Wars of the Roses.— Marie Burton
Thoughts From an Evil Overlord
Interesting and exciting... written with an eye on the family behind the history.— Elizabeth Bogardus