Barbara KyleBesprekingen

I didn't realize that this was book six in the Thornleigh saga, but quickly noticed that it was obvious these characters had interacted previously. However, not reading the previous books did not encumber my reading of this one at all. In fact, the author has a true talent for writing a series book to seem a stand alone novel.

I really enjoyed reading about the whole Elizabeth Tudor, Philip of Spain conflict from an outside perspective. Watching the story untold from eyes other than those of royalty made for a refreshing take on the story. Fenella is a terrific character. I love reading about strong women from that era because there really weren't many of them due to the way women were treated and forced to behave back then. It's one thing to be the queen and act independently - who is going to question you (at least, to your face)? But to be a common woman and so full of spark and independence...well, let's just say that Fenella didn't always have it very easy.

I now must go back to the other books in the series and see how the story began. Barbara Kyle has a true talent for writing the historical novel. Her books will always have a place on my shelves.

This is my first foray into the Thornleigh series by Barbara Kyle and I have to say, I was not disappointed. In fact, it was a wonderful historical novel. Easily read as a stand alone novel. Truth be told, I didn't even know it was part of a series until I read someone else's review.

I have long been fascinated with the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I (one of my most favorite historical figures) and her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. 'What would it have been like to order the execution of a blood relative?' is a question I have long asked myself as I have read about Elizabeth over the years. In Blood Between Queens, the situation between the two queens is the back drop to a story about a feud between families loyal to each faction respectfully, the Thornleighs and the Grenvilles. I liked the depiction of the famous rivalry between queens played out between these noble families.

What struck me is that Kyle knows her history. It is evident that the research was impeccable in the depiction of the historical figures and occurrences, as well in the sights and sounds of that age. I now must go back and read her other books. I can't believe I have not discovered her until now.

The Man From Spirit Creek by Barbara Kyle
Book starts with praise for authors works.
iv is in disguise and Chris her sister are on their way to Canada so she can pose as a paralegal and find out the truth.
Everything she hears from the locals tell her Wainwright is the bad man, putting nails on the roads the trucks travel on.
Her family company is in energy and they want some land in the area. When others go to her hotel room and almost torch it it's Wainwright that saves them and finds lodging for them.
Falcon corp also has an acting president, Mickey who she plans to marry...
So many events take place, fast paced action and deaths occur and nobody knows who really has been doing the bad deeds. She does learn in time who the culprit is and she goes to court, not only paying for Tom's defense but testifying who really killed Dale.
So many have had to die and all she wants is peace and quiet and her love...
Enjoyed this book and the plot, loved especially the talk about the Northern Lights which I've yet to see for myself.
Love learning about spoiled gas and other things in that field, so informative.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.

Honor is taken in, as a ward, by Sir Thomas More during Henry VIII’s reign in the 16th century. At this time, Henry is trying to find a way to get rid of his first wife Catherine, so he can marry Anne Boleyn. When Honor is old enough, she goes to Catherine and serves her. But, she gets caught up in the religious conflicts going on at the time, and things become dangerous.

It was ok, but I just lost interest at times (this was not an audio!). Some of it held my interest, but there were too many dry patches for my liking. The historical note at the end was nice. Obviously, Honor was fictional, as were her close friends, etc.

I was pleasantly impressed by this novel. From the cover, I was expected a romance novel set during the Tudor period, which one might argue this book is, but it's actually much more and one can tell the author did her research. Even as the story twists and turns almost to the point of being implausible, the characters, their motivations, and the events portrayed remain rooted in actual 16th-century history. As a 16th-century history junkie, I have to give this book credit for the chapters that take place in the German city of Munster - the Anabaptist rebellion that took place there was a big deal in 1530s Europe and few novels set during this period even mention it. Overall, this was a pretty good book and I may be interested enough to read the sequel.

I love reading novels that take historical people, places and events to create fictional stories. Kyle did a good job with her writing as well as weaving overtones from religion and politics to showcase everyone's side. As an Irish Catholic I was able to equally enjoy the portrayals of the struggling Catholics as well as the Protestant stories.

This book is part of a series so make sure you read them in order

learning about a new author takes time

can't review til i've read it. making that determination soon.

can't rate or review, need to think if i want to read it or not.

READ IN ENGLISH

Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

I wanted to read this book, because I'd seen it's set in the Netherlands (well, actually nowadays Flanders; but 16th century Netherlands). Apparently is also the sixth book in a series of stand-alone novel around British Pirate Baron Adam Tornleigh. (I haven't read any of the other books in the series).

This was a book with people not getting to safety when they could. A lot. Stubbornness and some times plain stupidity. However, the book was quite enjoyable. During the reign of terror of the Duke of Alba, will they save the Netherlands? Political intrigue, executions, pirates, it's all there. So far, so good.

The romance plot line worked less for me. I don't like love triangles. Confusing at best, it felt unnecessary most of the time. The solution given at the end of the story was somewhat hilarious (not in a positive way). It was a bit weird to read all kinds of Dutch words in an English books, but I think most of the time I didn't even noticed. It's a quick read, but nothing really special.

The story line is what makes this book compelling. It tells the story of a girl who was a ward of Sir Thomas More, a deeply religious man but who persecuted heretics, those who dared to read a bible and follow the new trend from Martin Luther. The character arranged for these new believers to escape. The quality of the story telling was a little boring.

Merged review:

On page 204.

The Queen's Exiles refer to Adam Thornleigh and Fenella Doorn during Queen Elizabeth's reign. Adam is estranged from his wife Frances and she has taken their two children and hidden them from Adam with the Duke of Alba, a man who is slaughtering the Dutch people for the King of Spain . Fenella is a widow who has her own business on the island of Sark, off the coast of France, salvaging sea going vessels. Adam and Fenella met years previously in an earlier novel in the Thorleigh saga. They meet again when Adam's ship comes into the port of Sark needing repairs. Surprising events have thrown these two people together again in a fun reading experience.

In this novel, Spain has taken over the Netherlands and there are plots afoot to try to put Queen Mary back on England's throne, while Adam tries to get his children away from his wife, Fenella becomes his accomplice in this harrowing continuation of an awesome series. There are some returning characters Adam’s sister, Isabel and her husband Carlos Valverde plus some new ones including the Sea Beggars and the Brethren, people who are fighting against Spain and its cruelty's against the Dutch people.

I have only read about three of the novels in this series but that did not deter me from enjoying this historical fiction story that encompasses my favorite time in Tudor history. I would recommend starting the series from book one but it is not really necessary although it would help to keep the many characters and story-lines straight. This is a story of treason, political machinations, loyalty and finally love. I look forward to the continuing Thornleigh saga, I highly recommend this series if you are a fan of historical fiction by an accomplished author.

This is, I believe, the third of the Thornleigh Series books that I have read. Each can easily stand alone but all do tie in with family characters that come and go from book to book. Sometimes playing major roles, other times playing supporting roles. With having read the two previous books it was rather like settling in to a familiar place.

This novel explores a bit of Tudor history with which I was not overly familiar so it made for interesting reading. I admit to not being well versed in the goings on outside of England when the plots to remove Elizabeth from the throne were swirling about so this tale of the roving Dutch pirates for lack of a better word was fascinating. It was a dangerous time for both sides - not knowing who could be trusted.

I enjoyed the book and read it pretty much in one sitting - although I read through quite a few books in short order when I hurt my leg but that doesn't mean I found them all as interesting as this one. I really enjoyed the romance between the the two leads and the suspense in the story. All in all another great installment in the series and I look forward to the next one.

BLOOD BETWEEN QUEENS by Barbara Kyle is a riveting Historical fiction set in England. The tale of two Queens, Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth of England. Mary fleds to England in hopes Queen Elizabeth will grant her sanction. What happens than is only part of the story.....Filled with spies, danger, jealousy, betrayal,rivalry,intrigue,and history. Ms. Kyle blends history with intrigue and romance. A great read for anyone who enjoys history, England, the Tudor era,and intrigue. You don't want to miss this thrilling and intriguing story of the Two Queens. Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy My Book Addiction and More

Where I got the book: won it on the author's blog.

This is the fifth book in Barbara Kyle's Thornleigh series, about a family close to the English court during the reigns of the Tudors. Justine Thornleigh, a daughter of the Thornleighs' rivals, the Grenvilles, has been brought up as a Thornleigh and is presumed to have relinquished her family's Catholic sympathies. Her loyalty to Queen Elizabeth is tested when she is sent to be a lady in waiting to, and to spy on, Mary Queen of Scots. Life is further complicated by the fact that her true love, Will, is a Thornleigh who would be horrified to know that Justine's really a Grenville, and by the murder of her best friend, which must be avenged.

I do like the way Kyle weaves real history into a tale of adventure and ambition spanning generations. It's the currently fashionable trope of seeing history through the eyes of a minor character, but given extra dimension by introducing a large cast of characters and making sure their lives aren't easy. There are times at which I find the device isn't entirely successful; we lose sight of the murder mystery at intervals, for example. But on the whole it's an entertaining, lively piece of fiction, a refreshing twist on the Tudor genre.

Justine Grenville, the ward of Richard Thornleigh, is tasked with a very important mission on behalf of Elizabeth I. She must befriend Elizabeth’s cousin Mary, Queen of Scots and report back any suspicious behavior. To do this will win her great favor with her betrothed, Will Thornleigh. She must prove that she is a loyal Protestant and deny her Catholic upbringing. After someone from her past makes an appearance, her faith is put to the test.

Though the characters are engaging, the plot line was a bit predictable. It did however have everything that I love about a good Tudor novel, schemes and betrayal. Each page brought the reader further into the intrigue but also at times got a bit complicated with the abundance of characters that come in and out and obviously have a back story but this being the fifth novel the reader is unaware exactly what it is.

Even with the few downsides to Blood Between Queens, I would still recommend this to all Tudor era readers. The blend of historical facts and Barbara Kyle’s imagination flows seamlessly and at times you can picture yourself standing in the halls alongside Elizabeth I.

I enjoyed reading more about Honor and Richard. It was good to hear about Adam too. This book as usual had betrayal and redemption in it. Another good addition to the series.

I enjoyed this book. I loved all the secretive stuff going on and the interactions between Honor and Thornleigh. It was great to see a woman in Tudor times fighting for something she believes in. I highly recommend it!

I am only 12 chapters in but feel the need to speak my mind now and come back later with my full review. Lots of people commented on the sordid scene that happens which makes you almost put down the book, I thought it couldn't be as bad as people led on but it was. I find no point in it really being in the book, Barbara Kyle could have done something else. I do like that the book focuses on Richard more because the first book was all about Honor. This book was just as good as the first one was.

I liked the book but could do without the classic rape scene that appears in this series.

Set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, this story follows Justine Thornleigh, as she is sent to gain the trust and secrets of Mary, Queen of Scots. The daughter of a traitor, Justine was taken in by a rival family who raised her as their own. After falling in love, Justine was navigate the treacherous waters of secrets, espionage and truth.

This was a very engaging and interesting book. The author definitely has a polished writing style. The plot moved smoothly and intertwined history with fiction brilliantly. Overall, I highly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

Great book! It had mystery, excitement, romance, knights in armour ... what else do you need? Loved it.

When I saw the blurb for BLOOD BETWEEN QUEENS, I knew I had to read it. Elizabeth I is my favorite monarch, a legend in her own time, and I'm particularly interested in her complicated relationship with her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots. This book pulls readers into the conflict, giving us a first hand account of the schemes, lies and betrayal going on just after Mary fled to England and became Elizabeth's "captive" guest.

The political intrigue caused by the feuding royal cousins was only part of the story. The author blended historical facts with fascinating fiction, creating a deadly family rivalry between the Thornleighs and Grenvilles, Elizabeth supporters versus those loyal to Mary, Protestants versus Catholics. And caught in the crossfire are two innocents - Justine, a young woman harboring a terrible secret, forced to spy on Mary at the queen's insistence, and Will, Justine's true love who would be devastated to learn the truth about her.

I really enjoyed BLOOD BETWEEN QUEENS. The author had an engaging writing style that made reading this book a joy. It's the fifth release in the Thornleigh series, though it can easily be read stand alone. (This was my first Barbara Kyle novel.) Though there was a big cast of characters, each one was memorable in his or her own way. I see that some of them appeared in earlier books in the series, and I'm eager to hear their stories.

I would recommend this book to readers who love riveting historical fiction, page-turning suspense, exciting adventure and a little romance. 4½-stars!½

This is the fifth of the "Thornleigh" novels from Ms. Kyle and my second. I read The Queen's Gamble when it came out and enjoyed it. This series of books takes historical figures, adds in the fictional Thornleigh family - and others - and seamlessly weaves a story that very well could have happened. A big bonus - you do not have to have read any of the preceding books to understand what is going on! They build upon each other but are not dependent upon each other for full enjoyment of the story.

This installment has three interlocking plots; Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scotts make up the main storyline. As the novel opens Mary has just escaped over the border and is looking for help from her cousin. One of the Thornleighs, young Justine is placed in Mary's household as a spy. But Justine is of traitorous stock; her father was killed years ago fighting against Elizabeth but the Thornleighs took her in and reared her as their own. She has fallen in love with a man whose own father was killed by one of her relatives and he doesn't know her true identity and proving her loyalty can show him where her heart is. The third storyline involves Adam Thornleigh, as he battles back from a horrible shipboard defeat by the Spanish. He loves Elizabeth as his queen and as a woman.

Ms. Kyle manages to make her fictional characters move in and out of history as if they belonged. I was pulled into the story from the very first page. I must admit that I liked the subplot with Justine more than with Adam - I found her to be a more likable character. Adam just rubbed me the wrong way for some reason. He did redeem himself a bit towards the end but I'm not giving any plot points away. The different families and stories are kept separate but I never felt as if the book were disjointed. The Thornleigh family is big and different members get a focus in each book in the series and then play minor roles in the other books. I suppose that is why they can stand alone so well. The plot was very well developed and kept me turning the pages until the end. It left me wanting more....which is exactly what you want from a book series like this!

This was such a phenomenal book. I can't say enough good about it. It was completely (to my knowledge) historically accurate, it was entertaining, it was intriguing, enthralling, infuriating. I nearly through this book through a window at about the 4/5 mark, and it remained there for three days while I fumed. Any book that can elicit that kind of violent physical reaction and still be so loved deserves a maxed out 5 stars!