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Katherine of Aragon
Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen | Alison Weir
Bestselling author and acclaimed historian Alison Weir takes on what no fiction writer has done before: creating a dramatic six-book series in which each novel covers one of King Henry VIII s wives. In this captivating opening volume, Weirbrings to life the tumultuous tale of Katherine of Aragon, Henry s first, devoted, and true queen. A princess of Spain, Catalina is only sixteen years old when she sets foot on the shores of England. The youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage and Arthur, Prince of Wales, and heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII. She must wait for his coming-of-age, an ordeal that tests her resolve, casts doubt on her trusted confidantes, and turns her into a virtual prisoner. Katherine s patience is rewarded when she becomes Queen of England. The affection between Katherine and Henry is genuine, but forces beyond her control threaten to rend her marriage, and indeed the nation, apart. Henry has fallen under the spell of Katherine s maid of honor, Anne Boleyn. Now Katherine must be prepared to fight, to the end if God wills it, for her faith, her legitimacy, and her heart. Advance praise for "Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen" In this first novel of the Six Tudor Queens series, Alison Weir dazzlingly brings Katherine of Aragon to life. Based on extensive new research, it is a portrayal that shatters the many myths about Henry VIII s long-suffering first wife. Far from being the one-dimensional victim of history, she emerges as a charismatic, indomitable, and courageous heroine whose story never fails toenthrall. Tracy Borman, author of "Thomas Cromwell" Yet again, Alison Weir has managed to intertwine profound historical knowledge with huge emotional intelligence, to compose a work that throws light on an endlessly fascinating figure. But her real gift in all of this is making it feel so fresh and alive. Charles Spencer, author of "Killers of the King" Acclaim for the novels of Alison Weir "The Marriage Game" Entrancing . . . Weir manages to weave actual history and the imagined kind together seamlessly. "Huntington News" Weir s credible characters and blend of the personal and political will sweep up readers of this engrossing behind-the-scenes psychological portrait of Elizabeth. "Publishers Weekly" "" "A Dangerous Inheritance" A juicy mix of romance, drama and Tudor history . . . pure bliss for today s royal watchers. "Ladies Home Journal" Highly compelling with] plenty to keep readers enthralled. " Historical Novel Review" "" "Captive Queen" Should be savored . . . Weir wastes no time captivating her audience. "Seattle Post-Intelligencer" Stunning . . . As always, Weir renders the bona fide plot twists of her heroine s life with all the mastery of a thriller author, marrying historical fact with licentious fiction. "The Denver Post""
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review
rwmg
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Pickpick

Fictional life of Henry 8's first wife from when she first arrived in England.

Interesting between the death of Prince Arthur and the death of Henry 7. Rather slow at times in the middle (all the does he/doesn't he still love me?) but excellent once the King's Great Matter got started and the story of the last part of her life was heartbreaking. Having read this I do wonder how the author can possibly make Anne Boleyn a sympathetic character.

Birdsong28 Don't forget to read the e shorts she did to accompany this series full list at the bottom of this page http://alisonweir.org.uk/ 5mo
rwmg @Birdsong28 I didn't know about those. Thanks for the info 5mo
Birdsong28 @rwmg There is a collection of them in one book which is the tagged book also in this book you get an extra book that was only published in America in a magazine. If you want any help on the order to read it let me know. 5mo
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dabbe Yet she does manage to make Anne sympathetic. I love these books! 🤩 5mo
rwmg @Birdsong28 Got it, thanks 5mo
rwmg @Birdsong28 I read the Katherine of Aragon stories and will leave the others till I get the books. Thanks for the rec. 5mo
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rwmg
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ShyBookOwl Nice! Henry the VIII and his wives is such an intriguing story 5mo
25 likes1 comment
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rwmg
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rachelsbrittain
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@sebrittainclark tells me all the books in my recent #libraryhaul have something in common, but I can't imagine what.

Yuki_Onna 🤔🫠 6mo
julesG That's tricky. Can I get a hint? 6mo
Ruthiella Hmmm what could they have in common? 😂👑 6mo
MissyD I know I know. They all came from the library. 🤣🤣🤣 6mo
Aims42 😂😂😂 6mo
54 likes5 comments
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KristiAhlers
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Pickpick

This particular wife of Henry VIII always intrigued me. There was so much quite strength in her. This #chunkster was absorbing to me. For those who aren't fans of historic tombs this may be a bit of a slog but for lovers of history I highly recommend this one.

Birdsong28 If you love this series then you might be interested in the ebook shorts that go along with this series, that are intersected between each book. 9mo
KristiAhlers @Birdsong28 thanks for the heads up! This is a new to me author so I'll definitely be picking up the others in this series and I'll download those shorts! 9mo
Birdsong28 @KristiAhlers If you want help with what ebook goes with what book of this series just let me know 😊 if you look on Goodreads you can see the order. 9mo
CoverToCoverGirl It‘s in my TBR pile. 💙 9mo
dabbe LOVED this book and then had to read them all, of course! She was amazing, wasn't she? 🤩🤗😊 9mo
47 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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actualdisneyprincess
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I‘m having a harder time with this than I expected to; it feels really slow-going. 😬 Hopefully it picks up a little bit. #katherineofaragon #catalinadearagonycastile #thetruequeen #alisonweir #henryviii #sixwivesofhenryviii #sixtudorqueens #tudorhistory #divorced

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wordslinger42
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These are some of the books that I currently have listed on PangoBooks, if anyone's interested! 📚

https://pangobooks.com/bookstore/wordslinger42

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YasmiNova
Pickpick

I raced through this 600-page beast. It surprised me how little I knew of Katherine and her life before she was cast aside. It was painful at times to read about the happy years of her marriage to Henry when we know how it all ended for her. I read this knowing there had been another side to Henry in his youth - pleasant, attractive, charming and even gentle. Still, reading about that side of him felt surreal. 👇🏻

YasmiNova I kept thinking: Really? This is the king who later repudiated two wives and had two others beheaded? Strangely, when Weir begins to address the change in Henry, the reader is so immersed in the happier years that it was heart-wrenching to see the inevitable unfold. And Weir has mastered Katherine's inner voice to the extent that her every choice and move, however outlandish by today's standards, made perfect sense in that context. 2y
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Jenloula
Pickpick

I have learnt so much and really enjoyed this book. It is a bit slow in parts then a complete page turner in others. Would recommend it

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sprainedbrain
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Pickpick

As a Tudor nerd/fascinated fan of the trainwreck that was Henry VIII, I knew how this was going to go and going to end for Queen Katherine, but I was still all about Weir‘s novelization. Somewhat slow and dry at times, but the author obviously knows the facts and enjoyed filling in the details. Overall, I was just angry and sad for the lack of agency/blind faith Kate had.

Also, I really don‘t like this cover, but I digress.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

sprainedbrain This was my book #AboutARealRoyal for #Booked2022 as well. 2y
YasmiNova Just started this one - I'm a big fan of the Tudor era too (and the preceding Wars of the Roses) so hopefully this book won't disappoint 😊 2y
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Jenloula
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Looking forward to delving into this one 😍

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Hestapleton
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Been absolutely worn out lately, so I‘ve been quiet on here. However I‘m still reading, book spinning, and (trying) to do #bfc21. My March #bookspinbingo and #bfc21 goals are in the pic. Now that the weather is leaning towards nice, I really want to get moving and try to eat healthier so I‘m ready to go back to the office this summer.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
Suet624 Nice to see you again.
3y
wanderinglynn Great goals! 🙌🏻🍀 3y
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Birdsong28
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Day 15 of @Andrew65 's #Top20series #20series20days challenge

This is a good series as she also provides ebooks to add to the stories. A list is provided below: ⬇️📚📖

Birdsong28
0.1SIX TUDOR QUEENS TELLING A NEW STORY

0.5 ARTHUR, PRINCE OF THE ROSES

1.5THE BLACKENED HEART

2.5THE TOWER IS FULL OF GHOSTS TODAY

2.6THE CHATEAU OT BRIS

3.5THE GRANDMOTHER'S TALE

3.6THE UNHAPPIEST LADY IN CHRISTENDOM

4.5 THE KING'S PAINTER

4.6THE CURSE OF THE HUNGERFORDS

5.5THE PRINCESS OF SCOTLAND

4y
Andrew65 Like Allison Weir books. 4y
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HoneyBeeLee
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Pickpick

The book follows the life of Kathrine of Aragon the first wife of Henry VIII. Even knowing how the books going to end for Kathrine this book did hold my attention all the way through. At times I could not help but feel bad for Kathrine but then others I just wanted to yell for this woman to putting up more of a fight against her husband. Would recommend this one to anyone who likes reading about the Tudor period.

LibrarianRyan Hello,

Just checking in. How is your #whiterabbitswap going? are you having any problems or experiencing any difficulties?

4y
HoneyBeeLee @LibrarianRyan Hello! Yes sorry had a few things show up late but will be sending it off today. ☺️ 4y
LibrarianRyan @HoneyBeeLee I totally understand. I have lost box of books that was supposed to arrive last week. Tracking is NOT helpful. good luck and stay well. 4y
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PathfinderNicole
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A whole shelf full of books with a #nameinthetitle for #magnificentmarch ! I still need to read the Anna of Kleve one...maybe this summer!
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I loved Circe 🧡🖤 4y
OriginalCyn620 Awesome! 4y
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Ubookquitous
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Pickpick

I love Weir‘s fiction because as a preeminent historian the books are filled with the details that immerse the reader in that world and are accurate in the history save what isn‘t recorded. Weir admits to enjoying filling in the blanks. Katherine of Aragon was a great read and I found myself admiring Katherine.

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HOTPock3tt
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Pickpick

Where my Tudor Dorks at?!!! 🤣 lol! 😎 Ok this isn‘t easy to rate, because it was sooo darn slow in parts and then such a page turner in other parts. I‘ve been kind of obsessed with the Tudors since college, but if you are NOT, I‘m not sure if the pace of this will hold your interest. 😕I see why ppl call Katherine ‘the boring one‘ 😂 anyway I did learn a lot... And I‘m on board for Tudor anything so I will continue the series. ☺️
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

RavenLovelyReads Tudor geek right here! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Are you watching The Spanish Queen on Starz?? (edited) 5y
HOTPock3tt @RavenLovelyReads not yet, but my vacation from work started today so I‘m definitely planning to check it out in the next couple days! 🤗 are you liking it so far? 5y
wordslinger42 I LOVE all things Tudor!!!! This one is on my TBR! 5y
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Librarybelle I‘m reading this one too! I love everything Tudor...they were such a controversial bunch! 5y
CouronneDhiver 👋🏽 Me! I‘ve had this one on my TBR for awhile... planning to check it out soon. 5y
Birdsong28 Love this series. Don't forget to check out the ebooks that accompany each of the books!! 5y
HOTPock3tt @Birdsong28 I didn‘t even know there WERE ebooks with each book! 😱 thanks for letting me know 🤗 (edited) 5y
HOTPock3tt @wordslinger42 @Librarybelle @CouronneDhiver It‘s written a lot like a non-fiction book... which is good in some ways for those of us who love the Tudors ☺️ (edited) 5y
Birdsong28 @HOTPock3tt This is before the book you have just read 5y
Birdsong28 @HOTPock3tt These are for before the 3rd book the first is the tagged book then The Chateau of Briis 5y
Birdsong28 @HOTPock3tt These are for before the fourth book the tagged book then The Unhappiest woman in Christendom 5y
Birdsong28 @HOTPock3tt These are for before the fifth book the tagged book first then The curse of the Hungerfords 5y
HOTPock3tt @Birdsong28 Omg thanks so much for all the recommendations!!!!!! ♥️🎉🙌🏽 5y
SaraFair Oh wow I have found my people! Tudor nut here too. Will be watching your feeds- 5y
HOTPock3tt @SaraFair Thank you! 🤗🎉 the FIRST thing I noticed when I clicked your profile was that you‘re reading a book about Elizabeth 1, so I will definitely be watching yours too! 😎 5y
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Bowietrek
Pickpick

Just downloaded. Will begin reading it this afternoon.

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Wife
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Pickpick

I have a fascination with the English Monarchy, so my plan is to read the NF account as I read the 6 Tudor Queens series. I didn‘t know that Henry VIII had questioned the validity of his marriage prior to meeting Ann Boleyn. I‘m pretty impressed with KofA! She really held tight to her marriage to make sure that her daughter Mary‘s legitimacy was preserved. 3/5👑s

Kimberlone I‘ve read Weirs book on Elizabeth I, which was very informative but readable. Enjoy her book on all the wives! 5y
Birdsong28 If you are reading this series make sure you check out the e-books that go in between each book. 📚📖 5y
Wife @Birdsong28 😮How do I access the e-books? Are they very long? I‘m not a fan of screen-reading, but I don‘t want to miss any content. Thanks for the tip🌹 5y
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Itchyfeetreader At this point I will pitch one of my all time favourites ! It‘s chunky but I think worth it! 5y
Wife @Itchyfeetreader On my TBR already! It sounds so good! Thanks for reminding me🌹 5y
Birdsong28 @Wife You can get them from Amazon. They aren't very long takes about 15-30 mins to read 5y
Birdsong28 @wife The tagged book is before Katherine of Aragon 5y
Birdsong28 @Wife The tagged book is before Jane Seymour. You need to read the tagged book then The Chateau of Briis : A lesson in love then Jane Seymour 5y
Birdsong28 @wife The tagged book is before Anne of Cleeves. You need to read the tagged book then The Unhappiest woman in Christendom then Anne of Cleeves. 5y
Birdsong28 @wife The tagged book before Katherine Parr. You need to read the tagged book then The Curse of the Hungerfords then Katherine Parr 5y
Birdsong28 Sorry for spamming you but there are quite a few between each book. And I wanted to show the order that they were in and the books I haven't tagged are also the e-books but I can only tag one book. @Wife 5y
64 likes2 stack adds12 comments
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HOTPock3tt
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1.) RAP 🎵 music!!!! ♥️🙃
2.) Summer
3.) Historical Fiction!!!! 💜 (tagged my current one) and YA.
4.) Hopefully, Coney Island (meaning pita bread!! chicken tenders, tomatoes, pickles etc.) and fries 🤗
@howjessreads #Friyayintro

Crazeedi Your tagged book is on my read very soon list, I want to read the series!! 5y
HOTPock3tt @Crazeedi Omg it‘s so good!! 🤗 it was a bit slow at first but once it gets started it‘s a page turner!!! She writes her fiction a lot like she writes her non-fiction. So it‘s very enjoyable knowing she just added a bit of story to the real events!! ♥️ (edited) 5y
Crazeedi @HOTPock3tt I ordered it, will be here tomorrow!! 5y
See All 6 Comments
HOTPock3tt @Crazeedi wow!! 😵 I hope you love it like I do!! 🤗♥️ 5y
PathfinderNicole I loved the book you‘re currently reading! I just finished the third one in that series last week! 5y
HOTPock3tt @PathfinderNicole omg I really have to catch up!! 😀 I have the 2nd book, but haven‘t bought the 3rd one yet... 5y
30 likes6 comments
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Librarybelle
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I feel like I‘m missing out on so much on Litsy lately! I‘ve barely had time to breathe, with everything going on at the library. So many great new things, but everything happening at the same time makes things so crazy! Add to that daily problems & some unexpected hiccups at the library...

Snatching a few minutes for this one, which I started a few days ago. I took a vacay day to run errands tomorrow...hopefully I‘ll get more reading done then!

CouronneDhiver I‘ve been trying to get to that one for awhile now... 5y
Librarybelle @CouronneDhiver It‘s good so far! 5y
Crazeedi I've had this on my tbr for some time. I need to get back to my historical books!! 5y
See All 7 Comments
Zelma I‘m in the same boat. Hardly have time on Litsy anymore due to work being insane. I love my job but the library is a complete time and energy suck. 5y
Librarybelle @Crazeedi Hope you can get to it soon! 5y
Librarybelle @Zelma Hopefully it will get better for you! It‘s my hope that things will settle down for me in the next couple months. 5y
Crazeedi @Librarybelle I'm moving it up! 5y
98 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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SaraFair
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Reading about the queens in order after finishing “The Tudors” on Netflix. The Renaissance English History podcast has many interviews of Alison Weir that I listen to often. She is going to teach me something today!

CouronneDhiver I‘m hoping to read that one soon! 6y
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Worley-B
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Pickpick

This wasn't quite what I expected, but it was good nonetheless. I thought the reading level would be a bit higher just based on the subject, I suppose. I'll definitely continue reading the series. It's very interesting to read the story from her perspective and get a better account than TV dramas afford!

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QueenJen
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Pickpick

After I finished this, I read a "thing" from the author where she mentions using actual letters in her story as well as maintaining as much of the history as possible.
Yeah, I'll be looking for book 2 about Anne Boleyn!

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PathfinderNicole
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Trying to get some pages in at my grandma‘s while watching The West Wing! My son stayed at my mom‘s last night and my grandma is at a meeting so enjoying the temporary peace and quiet!

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wordslinger42
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Some recent book purchases!

rubyslippersreads Great picks! 😊 6y
wordslinger42 @rubyslippersreads Thanks! I'm excited to read them all 😊 6y
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ladyonequestion
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Pickpick

A very well written, sympathetic portrait of a woman in a tragic situation. The reader may not always agree with her decisions, but Weir always manages to convey why she made them. It's interesting to see how Anne Bolyn made an impact on her and Jane Seymour appears here too. Really enjoyed this and looking forward to seeing things from Anne's point of view. #HistoricalFiction #Tudor

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ladyonequestion
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Juana (or Joanna) of Castile, Katherine's sister. Known as "The Mad", although she was most likely declared insane so that her father could rule in her stead. Sounds fascinating, I wonder if anyone has written a novel about her? #HistoricalFiction #monarchy #womeninhistory

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spanda84
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The Six Tudor Queen series by Alison Weir is on my 2018 #TBR list! #royalty #ReindeerReads

MayJasper I've seen the burial place of Queen Katherine in Peterborough Cathedral. 6y
spanda84 Wow! 6y
Ubookquitous I love Weir's works - both her histories and her novels 6y
15 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Leigh0906
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Duncan, and a book, in the dog park- which is sort of nature 😝 #booksinnature #riotgrams

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Leigh0906
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I'm in my hometown (prepping for a job interview ☺️) so I'm short on books and candy- but I am eating these crackers like they're candy, and this La Croix flavor is very candy-ish #riotgrams #booksandcandy

Cinfhen Good luck with the interview💚 6y
ValerieAndBooks Good luck with your interview! 6y
26 likes2 comments
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misslala
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Dontcha just hate when you have to pause on a good book to do stupid sh*t like folding laundry. 😡😠SMH. The adulting just doesn't stop. #laundry #sundays #iwanttoread #toomuchtodo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks And go buy groceries!!!! Ugh!!!! 😩😩 7y
14 likes2 comments
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misslala
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Tudor history excursion continues. Inspired to dig deeper into England's monarchy. #kathrynofaragon #queen #henryVIII

emmaturi I do love these kinds of historical books! 6y
10 likes1 comment
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Sarah1960
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Pickpick

Hello to my Litsy family. I have been MIA from posting, but have been following you all daily. I need to catch up on some books I have read that got me past my reading slump. This was a great book from the perspective of Katherine and it was a breath of fresh air as so many are focused on Anne Boleyn. However I love all things "Tudor". Although a bit slow in a couple of parts, this author did not disappoint, she never has!

rustoryhuf I read all things Tudor as well. My husband's family is descended from the Howard and Boleyn families. (edited) 7y
Sarah1960 @rustoryhuf That is so very cool!! So reading "Tudor" is like really reading about family. ????? 7y
42 likes2 comments
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SandyY15
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Pickpick

I love historical fiction, especial about British royalty, and this book did not disappoint. It is a long book, and it did drag a bit in the middle, but I totally enjoyed it. Now that I've been introduced to Alison Weir, I am hopeful to have found a favorite author. On to the next book in her Six Tudor Queens series: Anne Boleyn, A King's Obsession...

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wen4blu
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Taking a 20 hour audiobook on a two hour trip because, ya know, there might be traffic.

AmandaL Sounds right to me. 7y
readinginthedark Interesting! I listened to Philippa Gregory's book on Katherine of Aragon a long time ago but haven't read this one! 7y
Suet624 😂😂 7y
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mihaela
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Birdsong28
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Pickpick

Very good. Enjoyed it although at some points it felt like Alison Weir couldn't quite decide whether it was non-fiction or fiction. Can't wait for the next books in the series. Also love the fact there are mini e-books within this series as well so I'm not waiting as long between the books.

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mihaela
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Very intrigued by this part of history! Looking forward 😄😍

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beccaleigh121
Pickpick

This is a long book but worth it. I really enjoy Alison Weir.

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originalembot
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Pickpick

This has to be the best book I've ever been bought. I found Katherine to be a likeable person, whose love for her husband and her God remained strong despite all the hardships she faced throughout her time in England. I wouldn't change a thing about this book.

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#history #henryviii #bestgiftever

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originalembot
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New bookmarks!!

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originalembot
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Reading at work. 3 hours of and 8 hour shift down. Getting sleepy. Time for coffee.

#work #coffee #history #hardback

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originalembot
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Reading the copy of Six Tudor Queens: Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen which was given to me by me best friend on my new book stand that was given to me by my sister. being spoilt this Christmas.

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LivtheLibrarian
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Mehso-so

It took me forever to get through this book as there were parts that seemed to drag on forever! However, I love the historical accuracy Weir took pains to get right. This is the very sad story of a woman who was too pious for her own good. Damn that stubborn Spanish pride!

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originalembot
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A description of my home town in 1501, when Katherine of Aragon first arrived in England.

#plymouth #historicalfiction #history #katherineofaragon

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LivtheLibrarian
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I've always been fascinated with all things Tudor, so naturally I'm so excited about this series. This is how I will always see Katherine of Aragon...

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LadyMcNagel

Slow start so far. If I wanted your nonfiction, Weir, I would have picked it up. p.12

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siriusblack
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Pickpick

This book was amazing. I loved Katherine and all that she stood for. I hated that she had to go thru what she did. I cannot wait for the next in this series. ❤️

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Eastbriar
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Mehso-so

I love reading Alison Weir, I'm a huge fan of her non-fiction, but this kind of fell flat for me. The dialogue was a bit cringe-inducing at times. I feel like her non-fiction work is stronger, but I'm obsessed with Tudor history and I'd try the other books in the series when they come out.

SharonGoforth Good to know. I've been on the fence about this one. 8y
34 likes1 comment