The Secret Bride

March 31, 2008
Though it takes a long time to admit it to herself, Mary Tudor (1496-1553)-the headstrong, gorgeous, obedient, and favorite sister of Henry VIII-ardently loves the inappropriate but dashing Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk. Neither she nor Suffolk, however, can tell Henry, for it would seem a betrayal: Henry has arranged Mary's marriage to France's King Louis XII,and no one knows better than Mary that Henry he is not to be crossed. But it's a long way to that point in the latest historical from Haeger (The Perfect Royal Mistress), who begins in Mary's girlhood, and includes everyone from Katherine of Aragon and Cardinal Wolsey to Francois I of France and a young Anne Boleyn. While one doesn't get a firm sense of passing time along the way, Haeger delivers complexities of court and duty plausibly and with aplomb.

February 18, 2008
Though it takes a long time to admit it to herself, Mary Tudor (1496-1553)-the headstrong, gorgeous, obedient, and favorite sister of Henry VIII-ardently loves the inappropriate but dashing Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk. Neither she nor Suffolk, however, can tell Henry, for it would seem a betrayal: Henry has arranged Mary's marriage to France's King Louis XII, and no one knows better than Mary that Henry he is not to be crossed. But it's a long way to that point in the latest historical from Haeger (The Perfect Royal Mistress), who begins in Mary's girlhood, and includes everyone from Katherine of Aragon and Cardinal Wolsey to Francois I of France and a young Anne Boleyn. While one doesn't get a firm sense of passing time along the way, Haeger delivers complexities of court and duty plausibly and with aplomb.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2008
Henry VIII adores his younger sister, Mary Tudor, butthat doesnt stop him from using her as a pawn in his political machinations. When Henryaligns himself with France, he arranges for Mary to marry the sickly old king. As a Tudor, she knows that she cannot marry for love, yet she cant help but fallin love with Charles Brandon, Henrys best friend. Charles is an orphanwithno land or title of his own and has only achieved his position at court through friendship. Before leaving for her odious marriage, Mary makes Henry promise that her next marriage will be for love; if only Henry willremember his pledge. Haeger masterfully brings the past alive in her latest historical novel. A tale of thwarted desire and sacrifice, it isrich in court intrigue andlavishly detailed descriptions of court life during theearly years of Henry VIIIs reign. Both fans of Haeger and readers new to her novels will relish her insightful story aboutthe one womanHenry truly loved: his sister.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)