The Queen's Handmaiden

October 1, 2007
In this uneven first-person overview of Elizabeth Tudor's rise to power, Ashley (who also writes Regency mysteries as Ashley Gardner) chooses the unlikely perspective of Eloise Rousell, Elizabeth's faithful seamstress and confidante. Elizabeth and Eloise meet thanks to Elizabeth's governess, Eloise's "Aunt Kat," and Eloise is soon a demure eyewitness to Elizabeth's early problems with Lord Thomas Seymour, whom Catherine Parr marries after King Henry's death. Seymour's later executed for treason. After Elizabeth's young brother King Edward dies, more conflicts arise, significantly so after Lady Jane Grey's execution and Queen Mary's coronation. It's moderately intense, though Queen Elizabeth's controversial affair with the scandalous Robert Dudley is quickly glossed over. Also, the sweet, sudden romance between Eloise and Elizabeth's spy, James Colby, feels contrived, as does the couple's role in persuading Elizabeth to forego marriage to Robert. Though Eloise is nice enough, her wide-eyed take makes for an underdeveloped portrait of the Virgin Queen and the treacherous Tudors.

September 10, 2007
In this uneven first-person overview of Elizabeth Tudor's rise to power, Ashley (who also writes Regency mysteries as Ashley Gardner) chooses the unlikely perspective of Eloise Rousell, Elizabeth's faithful seamstress and confidante. Elizabeth and Eloise meet thanks to Elizabeth's governess, Eloise's "Aunt Kat," and Eloise is soon a demure eyewitness to Elizabeth's early problems with Lord Thomas Seymour, whom Catherine Parr marries after King Henry's death. Seymour's later executed for treason. After Elizabeth's young brother King Edward dies, more conflicts arise, significantly so after Lady Jane Grey's execution and Queen Mary's coronation. It's moderately intense, though Queen Elizabeth's controversial affair with the scandalous Robert Dudley is quickly glossed over. Also, the sweet, sudden romance between Eloise and Elizabeth's spy, James Colby, feels contrived, as does the couple's role in persuading Elizabeth to forego marriage to Robert. Though Eloise is nice enough, her wide-eyed take makes for an underdeveloped portrait of the Virgin Queen and the treacherous Tudors.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2007
Sent to live with her aunt Kat, Eloise Rousells fate and future quickly become tied to those of her aunts most famous charge, Elizabeth Tudor. A complicated friendship blossoms between the Elizabeth and Eloise, as the princess-in-exile not only begins to rely on Eloises extraordinary skills as a seamstress but also on Eloises advice and ability to be discreet. From the death of her father Henry VIII to the ascension of her half sister Mary Tudor to the throne, Elizabeths position and power in court is precarious at best, but the one thing that remains constant in her life is the devotion of her servant and friend, Eloise. Romance star Ashley proves to be equally skilled at fashioning thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction that pleases readers with its captivating mix of nuanced characters, richly detailed settings, and an entertaining plot expertly spiced with political intrigue and romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)