The Queen's Governess by Karen Harper
This book is a wonderful historical novel from the point-of-view of Elizabeth I’s governess, Kat Ashley, so it offers a unique perspective on the Tudor period during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Elizabeth II. Anyone who’s read anything about Queen Elizabeth I has come across the name Kat Ashley. She’s the woman who took over the responsibility of raising the outcast princess after her mother lost her head. I’ve come across Kat in many books, so it was a treat to finally read her story.
Katherine’s story begins with an unforeseen accident that land’s Kat as Thomas Cromwell’s nurse. Proving herself to be trustworthy and highly educated for a girl of her means, Cromwell sends Kat to be further educated so he could use her as a spy to help elevate his status at court. Placing Kat as the go-between for himself and Lady Anne, Cromwell soon discovers many secrets that can be used to his advantage. Quickly gaining the trust and friendship of the new-crowned Queen Anne, Kat is now privy to more knowledge than she could have ever imagined. With the Queen’s failed attempts to produce an heir for the throne, Henry’s favor soon turns to young Jane Seymour. Wanting to please the King and increase his coffers, Cromwell is quick to draw up a list of treasonous charges regarding Anne to place before an eager King. With Anne’s fate sealed, she placed her one loyal friend Kat in charge of her small daughter. Caring for Elizabeth as she would care for her child Kat forms the beginning of the Princess who will later become one of the greatest Queen England has ever seen. Together they survived through claims of illegitimacy, scathing scandals, and imprisonments in the Tower of London. They also survived the turbulent reigns of three monarchs.
It is an interesting view, hearing a story from the one who was probably the closest to Elizabeth, her “earthly mother.” It sheds a light at a fresh angle on the court of Henry the VIII. For anyone who loves British history, especially the Tudors, this is a very entertaining book. Even though I knew what was coming next, Karen Harper made it very alive and flowing.
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