The thing that’s wrong with this book (among many things) is that it depends almost entirely on coincidence to advance its plot. There are too many times when we are expected to believe that Nell and or Bessie are in the right place at the right time and by pure chance happen to be standing by a window where important information is being divulged or in a room unnoticed by people plotting. You’d think the people hatching said plots (to overthrow the rulers of their country, of all things!) would be a little more careful about being overheard. I couldn’t keep from rolling my eyes at certain times.

That aside, there’s just too much that is ridiculous. The idea that when Prince Edward is in need of a Latin tutor there is no one else in all of England that can be found while the permanent tutors shows up from “the continent” is far-fetched, and while I’m all for women doing a “man’s” job, I don’t think it would have been much tolerated at that time. Or that Nell is offered what appears to be a Monday through Friday job and gets to go home on weekends. Highly unlikely (the job offer and the hours/days she was expected to work). That fact that Nell and Bessie who is a Princess of England and future Queen are traipsing about the place by themselves with no chaperones coming and going as they pleased was another point of contention and constant eye-rolling for me.

All in all, if you’re looking for a light fluff read and are a fan of chick-lit, you might not mind this book so much. If you prefer more well-written, accurate historical fiction, I don’t believe that this will do. ( )

I couldn't agree with wizardsheart's review more! I enjoyed the book, but found the writing a bit light on at times. Some instances gave me that "as if!" feeling. Would have liked a little more detail at times. ( )

I gave the book 3 1/2 stars. The main reason that I read it is the fact that I am a sucker for anythig Richard III related. As well as a lover of historical fiction. The writing was a bit awkward and stiff in places. And some things that happened in the story made me raise my eyebrows. But in the end I found Maxwell's idea of what happened with the princes to be both plausible and interesting. I just wish that the writing had been better. Although in fairness it wasnt so bad that I even once considered abandoning it. I am also hoping that she has another book planned, because the ending was a bit disappointing and...choppy. Definitly a must read for historical fiction fans of this era. ( )