Historical Fiction Review: The Queen's Gamble by Barbara Kyle

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Queen's Gamble

Book #4 in the Thornleigh Series

Kensington Trade Paperback

ISBN-13: 978-0758238566

Young Queen Elizabeth I’s path to the throne has been a perilous one, and already she faces a dangerous crisis. French troops have landed in Scotland to quell a rebel Protestant army, and Elizabeth fears once they are entrenched on the border, they will invade England.

Isabel Thornleigh has returned to London from the New World with her Spanish husband, Carlos Valverde, and their young son. Ever the queen’s loyal servant, Isabel is recruited to smuggle money to the Scottish rebels. Yet Elizabeth’s trust only goes so far—Isabel’s son will be the queen’s pampered hostage until she completes her mission. Matters grow worse when Isabel’s husband is engaged as military advisor to the French, putting the couple on opposite sides in a deadly cold war.

MY REVIEW

Applause is due to Ms. Kyle. THE QUEEN'S GAMBLE, was a riveting, dramatic tale. A story filled with intrigue, drama, subtle sensuality and a daring, evocative heroine. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

I have long been a lover, and more than a little bit obsessed with the Tudor rulers. I felt that the author vividly captured the personality and bearing of one of England's most notorious female rulers, Elizabeth I.

There is so much going on within this story. So much conflict that I wasn't sure how it would turn out--even had my doubts about the ending. Our heroine's family is close to this current Queen.  But her own husband is Spanish--a country the Queen is currently not on good terms with. To make matters worse, Isabel's and her husband have made their home in the new world.

And the Queen well knows what is at stake for Isabel as she takes on the dubious tasks set on her by Cecil and the Queen--and takes her son as collateral. Her son's life could be at stake. Even worse--her husband is now working on the opposite side of the fence so to speak.

Isabel is once gutsy woman, who is willing to go to the very edge for her family and what she believes in. This is definitely a recommended read. The love between Isabel and Carlos will have you melting, all while you chew your nails off to find out what happens in the end.