Anne Clinard Barnhill

I have touched on this recently...how I would think that someone like me would grow tired of the Tudors, as I have been reading books and watching shows and films about them faithfully for years...and how honestly I thought I was starting to feel a bit less enamored in recent days. However, this author has such a spot on voice when it comes to writing about the Tudors. Queen Elizabeth I is arguably my most favorite Tudor figure and the depiction of her in this book is exactly as I imagine she was in life. This book has gone a step further by giving us a glimpse of Elizabeth had she been a mother via her interaction with her cousin and ward, Mary Shelton. However, in her dealings with Mary, as with any sovereign who is also a parent, she can't quite get past her queenly duties and responsibilities to do what is right and expected.

It would seem that Elizabeth's ultimate aim for her 'ladies' would be to remain marriage-less, like herself. However, if they did decide to marry they must have her exclusive permission and often Elizabeth would arrange a powerful match for them. When she does so with Mary, trying to match her with Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, Mary balks, as she finds him to be a cruel lecher. Instead, she falls in love with a man of low circumstance (comparably) and Elizabeth refuses to allow the marriage. What happens next is the explosion of Elizabeth's wrath and the resulting plight of serious danger for the newly married couple. Again, we are reminded that times were perilous with the Tudors. Whether you lived in the time of Henry VIII, Queen Mary or Elizabeth herself, the political intrigue and dangers knew no bounds. The author brings this across beautifully in her well-researched prose.

This is not the first time I have recommended a book by Ms. Barnhill and I'm sure it certainly will not be the last. If you want to read historical fiction about the Tudors, her books are the ones you want.
… (más)

One would think that someone like me would grow tired of the Tudors, as I have read books and watched shows and films about them voraciously for years. And honestly, I think I was starting to feel a bit less enamored recently. However, Barnhill's book has changed all that. Anne Boleyn is probably one of my most favorite Tudors, second only to her own daughter, Elizabeth I. I have loved her ever since watching the film, Anne of the Thousand Days, when I was but a girl of nine. Barnhill has taken Anne and written about her with such depth and understanding, I don't think I have ever read, or watched, her portrayed thus. Although I know there is much more written about her in the world that I have not read, I am confident that Barnhill has captured the very essence of Anne Boleyn. Of course, we all know pretty much everything about Anne's story (unless you've been living under a rock), but Barnhill adds that extra element that makes for great character development and excellent story craft. The scene that comes to mind is when Anne's son is born dead. Her utter sorrow over his loss actually brought tears to my eyes. A book that brings me to tears is a book worthy of my highest praise, as many of my readers know. The character of Anne is not the only one in the book that is well-written. One might think Lady Margaret Shelton a boring character by normal standards, but there is much to be said about such a loyal, yet complex woman. Loyal to her queen, yet not afraid to seek happiness for herself. Unfortunately, the times of Henry VIII were perilous for all and it couldn't be more evident than in the pages of this book. Everyone seemingly walked on a tightrope and no one's position was ever secure during his reign, not even his own children. Again, Barnhill portrays a character perfectly. We immediately know Henry's mind in this book as soon as he enters the story.

I am very impressed with this debut novel. Historical fiction is not easy to write and to have crafted such a well researched, yet entertaining book, is quite an accomplishment for an author's first novel. I look forward to more great writing from Ms. Barnhill.… (más)

al Hicks, the sheriff of a small town in North Carolina, still carries a torch for his ex-wife, Willa Jo Temple, but finds himself investigating her death when her body is found on the floor of her beauty shop. During the investigation, he becomes aware of a notebook that Willa Jo kept, which contains secret information on many of the town's residents. Gradually, as the secrets in Willa Jo's notebook are revealed, her former customers and friends are forced to deal with the no-longer secret stories inside it. This is a warm novel with warm, likeable, and believable characters. The author describes the small town and the surrounding countryside in vivid, lifelike detail. Highly recommended.

Kathleen Jones, author of Love Is the Punch Line… (más)