"Queen Kathryn Parr comes vividly to life in this lively historical novel. The Tudor court is a tangible place, filled with real people and gives us a sixth wife of Henry VIII that stands out in Tudor fiction." (Nancy Bilyeau, The Crown)

"An evocative and compelling story of Tudor intrigue, set in the final years of King Henry VIII." (Tony Riches)

1537.

England.

Henry VIII is in conflict with the Pope and the country is divided.

A contingent of people in the north embark upon the Pilgrimage of Grace, to compel their monarch to bring him back into the fold.

But the unyielding Henry sends an army to quell the uprising.

In Yorkshire, Lady Katheryn Latimer, and her step-children, Margaret and John, are held under siege at Snape Castle.

Henry proves victorious, although his victory doesn't wholly heal the divisions in the country.

A few years later, widowed for the second time, Katheryn joins the household of Lady Mary Tudor where she encounters an old sweetheart, Thomas Seymour.

But they are forced to cancel their plans to marry when King Henry VIII makes Katheryn an offer that she is unable to refuse.

Haunted by the fates of Henry’s previous wives, Katheryn becomes the king’s trusted consort.

But the court is treacherous and Katheryn wins more enemies than friends. 

It is not until the Henry's death that Katheryn is finally able to follow the desires of her heart.

Judith Arnopp is the author of numerous best-selling historical novels, including The Kiss of the Concubine, written from the perspective of Tudor women, from all walks of life.