Shadows of the Crown Series by Margaret Campbell Barnes, Hebe Elsna

"Within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king..." -Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King Richard IIUnlike his father, the Black Prince, or his namesake, King Richard the Lionheart, Richard II never really wanted to be king. But the mantle of royalty is thrust upon his shoulders at age 11, at a time when England is racked by unrest and class warfare... more"Within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king..." -Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King Richard IIUnlike his father, the Black Prince, or his namesake, King Richard the Lionheart, Richard II never really wanted to be king. But the mantle of royalty is thrust upon his shoulders at age 11, at a time when England is racked by unrest and class warfare. A leader as unexpected as he is inexperienced, young Richard must find a way to triumph over a fierce conflict more destructive than any foreign enemy.Richard's love for his wife, Anne of Bohemia, gave him the strength to outwit the schemes of his enemies and govern as he saw fit, providing England with years of prosperity under his reign. But when tragedy strikes, Richard begins to loose the common touch by which he had ruled so brilliantly, and begins a downward spiral from which his detractors would derive strength... less

Elizabeth of York, beautiful golden-haired daughter of Edward IV, had grown to womanhood in the splendor of her father's court and the security of his love.She was little prepared for what would follow upon his death - a raging war between brothers, uncles and cousins for the King's throne - a war in which Elizabeth herself, considered by many the rightful Queen, would be plunged into dangerous intrigue and unexpected love...

This is a wonderful work of historical fiction in which the author weaves gossamer threads of fact and fiction around Anne Boleyn, one of the most intriguing and enigmatic women who ever lived. She was a woman who would change the face of England by holding out for a crown that she would wear for a scant three years. Her will to be crowned a Queen would pave the way for the Reformation to take root in England.

Written by world-reknowned historical novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes, My Lady of Cleves gives readers an intimate portrait of the warm, unpretentious princess who never expected to become Queen of England. Knowing the king's ravenous desire for a son, and aware of the disastrous consequences of not bearing an heir, Anne of Cleves bravely took on the duty of weathering the Tudor King's temper, whims, arrogance, and irresponsible passions--and won the hearts of his subjects in the process... moreWritten by world-reknowned historical novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes, My Lady of Cleves gives readers an intimate portrait of the warm, unpretentious princess who never expected to become Queen of England. Knowing the king's ravenous desire for a son, and aware of the disastrous consequences of not bearing an heir, Anne of Cleves bravely took on the duty of weathering the Tudor King's temper, whims, arrogance, and irresponsible passions--and won the hearts of his subjects in the process.A treat for readers of Tudor fiction and those fascinated by the complex relationships of Henry VIII and his wives, My Lady of Cleves leads readers into a world of high drama and courtly elegance. less

The only loves Mary had known were the affection she bore her father and the passion she felt for the lovely Isle of Wight. But young Mary's quiet, protected life soon changed as she was thrust into the raging core of civil war. When Cavalier King Charles fled to her remote isle from Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans, expecting to find Carisbrooke Castle a refuge from the Roundheads, he ran straight into the arms of betrayal ... and into the depths of Mary's unawakened young heart... moreThe only loves Mary had known were the affection she bore her father and the passion she felt for the lovely Isle of Wight. But young Mary's quiet, protected life soon changed as she was thrust into the raging core of civil war. When Cavalier King Charles fled to her remote isle from Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans, expecting to find Carisbrooke Castle a refuge from the Roundheads, he ran straight into the arms of betrayal ... and into the depths of Mary's unawakened young heart. Almost overnight, this charming servant girl becomes a woman, more beautiful than ever, made confident, seductive, and wise by love. Almost overnight, she stood at the center of the intrigues, dangers, and high passions surrounding this controversial Stuart and his dynasty ...The moving, tragic story of Charles I, the last absolute monarch of England, during his imprisonment in Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight. Richly drawn and inspired by the New York Times bestselling author's own experience living on the Isle of Wight, this dramatic retelling brings to life the cavalier king whom Cromwell deposed. But even more fascinating than the account of royal hopes and misfortunes is the tale of a charming servant girl who is as romantic and tender in love as she is bold and resourceful in plotting the king's escape. less

A secret love affair like no other… As a child living in exile in France, Frances Stuart was accustomed to threadbare dresses and going hungry. Yet everything changed when her cousin Charles arrives to visit and Frances’ world is turned upside down. The Restoration of the monarchy quickly raises Charles II far higher than anything Frances ever dreamed of... moreA secret love affair like no other… As a child living in exile in France, Frances Stuart was accustomed to threadbare dresses and going hungry. Yet everything changed when her cousin Charles arrives to visit and Frances’ world is turned upside down. The Restoration of the monarchy quickly raises Charles II far higher than anything Frances ever dreamed of. Several years later, Frances arrives in Court to attend to Charles’ wife, Queen Catherine, as a lady-in-waiting and once again, her path collides with the man who is now King. At sixteen, she is already renowned for her beauty and vivaciousness and Charles cannot help but take notice of Frances. The King rapidly becomes obsessed with her, and it is not long before whispers begin to circulate that Frances has supplanted the famous Barbara Castlemaine as mistress to the monarch. So strong is her power that gossip suggests were the Queen to die, Frances would almost certainly take her place. Aware of the King’s interest, and knowing that to offend Charles would be to put her out of favour at Court, Frances plays a dangerous game of flirtation – keeping her man close whilst also maintaining a safe distance. But it’s not long before Charles begins to grow impatient and Frances soon finds herself rapidly running out of ways to keep him at bay. The arrival of the young Duke of Lennox and Richmond at Court unexpectedly presents Frances with a way of escaping the corner into which she has backed herself. To do so threatens her position as the King’s favourite and risks incurring his rage, but surely such a risk is worth it for the man she loves… less