The Queen's Handmaiden

This was a good, solidly enjoyable historical fiction read. Most books focusing on Queen Elizabeth focus on her actual reign and the time of Shakespeare; part of the charm of this novel is that we follow Elizabeth from childhood and through the turbulent time of her brother's death, Queen Mary's rule, and finally her own coronation. Very little of the book takes place in her reign. The first-person perspective is from Elizabeth's loyal seamstress, Eloise. As Eloise herself points out, many people do not notice a lone woman sewing in a corner, so she is able to witness and overhear all the drama of court. Some of the historical fiction I've read during the past year has been afflicted by the dread presence of a Mary Sue, perfection show more personified, but this book is free of the scourge. The characters come across as very real and well-rounded, and Eloise is a wonderful heroine.

I bought the book at the Desert Dreams Conference and spoke with the author. Jennifer Ashley was a very nice, pleasant lady. I know she also writes Scottish romances, so I think I'll look up some of her other books. She has a master's degree in Middle Ages and Renaissance lit, and that attention to detail and research shows. show less

This is fluid, easy reading. The problem comes in the back sixth of the book, which should be the back *third* -- we know that Elizabeth ruled for, what was it, forty years? Therefore the tension surrounding the Robert Dudley plot and the revelation of James's identity (which was telegraphed way too early, in my opinion) is just not there. The agony of Eloise's choice between her husband and her queen is never brought to a head, and you know it won't ever be. That said, the romance is well-handled, very subtly, although I would have liked to see Eloise's emotion toward her husband and daughter much more vividly.

This historical novel chronicles the early days of Elizabeth I through the character of Eloise Rousell, a seamstress and confident of the young princess. Eloise must balance her duties to Elizabeth with the turbulent times she lives in and the man she comes to love. While this novel is an okay read and certainly would be enjoyed by fans of Tudor England, I felt it could have been much better and especially the ending could have been better done. The last few chapters felt like an epilogue, with much of the motivations which previously drove the characters having dissipated.

This book is about Elizabeth I, and begins with the death of Henri VIII and wraps up (rather rapidly, actually) during the middle years of Elizabeth's reign as Queen. The story is told through the eyes of her seamstress (Eloise) - a woman born the same year as Elizabeth and brought into Elizabeth's household as a child.

As these types of books go, this one is okay ... but only just. It kept my attention and it was a quick read. I even learned a thing or two & was reminded of a few more facts that had slipped away since my last visit with the Tudors.

I enjoyed hearing the story from Eloise's viewpoint; but, particularly I enjoyed having Kat Ashley, Elizabeth's long-term governess, featured as a prominent character. Certainly every show more (credible) book about Elizabeth I will have at least a passing reference to Kat Ashley & to learn more about her was rewarding.

The book covers the characters and events of these years with varying degrees of detail and success. Covering the timespan this book covers in less than 400 pages should be an indication of the level of overall detail. However, this is not necessarily meant as a criticism. What the book does do is give us an overview of Elizabeth as a child, the difficulties she faced when her sister Mary was on the throne and the early to mid-years of her reign.

We get a nice glimpse of Elizabeth the woman and her underlying intelligence and strength. The author presents some interesting ideas that are worthy of additional consideration. For example, how close did Elizabeth come to marrying Robert Dudley after the death of his wife? I never thought that was even much of an option; but this author develops a different scenario ...

We also get an excellent behind-the-scenes look at Elizabeth's household. The author does a very nice job of developing Eloise as the true main character. And, I thought the love affair between Eloise and James Colby was developed with skill and grace. The author does a credible job of showing two characters - neither of whom were looking for love or had time to indulge in affairs of the heart - develop first, a friendship, and then an enduring love.

This love angle is a bit understated in the book which was a plus for me. The lack of erotic, sweaty, bodice-ripping scenes makes it a book I can recommend to my 17-year old niece who has just recently started sticking her toes in the waters of historical fiction.

Which brings me to my final point. I am reluctant to recommend this book to any but a newcomer to Elizabethan England. Character development is a bit thin in places and there are some definite weaknesses and missing pieces in the level of plot detail. Overall, the book lacks the depth and sophistication that makes a book truly satisfying and worthy of more than about 3 stars.

(Review written by LoisAnn, Lindymc's daughter) show less

I'm getting to the point where some historical novels no longer hold the same charm they once did for me. There's a limit, I suppose, to the number of times one can read the same story from different viewpoints. Elizabeth still remains a fascinating figure, but I'm tired of exploring her and her times from 46-million different angles. And how come there's always someone with psychic abilities in the story?

Did find the tidbits about costumes and gowns and materials of interest.

What a good book. Contrary to other reviews, I enjoyed the book. It was a light easy read, but that didn't deter the good content of the book. It dealt with the life and times of Queen Elizabeth I, from the view point of her seamstress, Eloise. Eloise allowed us to view Elizabeth's quirky personality, as well as Kat Ashley, Eizabeth's governess.
I loved the twist towards the end of the book, when we discover the relationship between Eloise's suitor and Elizabeth.