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

Every now and then a book comes along that enthralls a reader. It grabs you from the very first page and never let’s goes until the final page. The Queen’s Gamble does just that. The reader is pulled in many directions, never knowing exactly what the plan is and whose side a person is on. The characters pulsate off the pages with believability and the historical portrayal of the time period after Bloody Mary’s rule is detailed quite vividly. By the end you are fully invested and want more. The blend of fictional characters with real historical events is seamless.

Isabel Valverde returns home after a distressing letter from her brother Adam telling her that her mother has been convicted of murder. Upon arriving though, she finds a different situation. Her mom is safe and has become a close confidant of Queen Elizabeth. Now the country is in complete religious and political turmoil with the threat of Mary, Queen of Scots. Isabel and her husband, Carlos, are surprised at these turn of events. Upon landing they meet Frances, Adam’s wife, and also a Grenville. Grenville’s have been enemies of her family, the Thornleigh’s, for ages. Isabel does feel a kinship with her new sister-in-law. Right away Isabel and Carlos are pulled into the chaos that is happening in England. Carlos is requested to be an envoy for Spain and Isabel is blackmailed into becoming a messenger for Elizabeth. Their loyalties and relationship is put to the test as they are put on opposite sides, or so it seems.

This being the fourth installment of the Thornleigh series I don’t know all the background on what has happened to this family but Barbara gives us a nice overview of the events that has lead this family into this situation. Carlos and Isabel’s relationship seems to be rock steady until it appears they are at opposite sides of the war. They are in a way like England. They are being torn apart by lies and treason. Carlos I liked in the beginning loathed him by the middle and then I sort of forgave him by the end. Isabel’s character is feisty and intelligent but at times she makes mistakes that cost people their lives. Frances you can clearly see is absolutely in love with Adam. Adam is very aloof about the whole marriage and I don’t know the back story on why they were married. We do see Adam soften towards the end of the book and there is hope for their future.

An absolute MUST READ for historical fiction fans. You will not be disappointed and will crave to read more. ( )

This is the fourth book in Ms. Kyle's Thornleigh series and after reading it I so want to read the first three. Not because I felt like I missed anything - The Queen's Gamble can stand alone perfectly well - but because it was such an enjoyable book. While this book takes place during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the focus is more on the fictional family, the Thornleighs.

Isabel Thornleigh is coming home to England with her husband Carlos. They live in the "New World," in Peru where Carlos is making a name for himself as a planter, a soldier and as the owner of a silver mine. He is a citizen of Spain and loyal to the King. Isabel is a child of England and upon her return gets caught up in the religious turmoil going on as young Queen Elizabeth tries to keep her kingdom together. Isabel is nominally a Catholic since she lives in a Spanish country but she does not feel any strong feelings towards one religion or the other. She feels people should just be able to worship in peace.

Isabel becomes embroiled in Queen Elizabeth's dealings with the Scots through her husband. He is sent as an Spanish envoy to the French who are aiding Scotland. Will this tear their marriage apart?

Ms. Kyle has created a wonderful series of characters to live in the dangerous times of Queen Elizabeth's early years on the throne. I was swept up in the lives of Isabel, her husband and her family as they worked to keep the Queen informed. There are many twists and turns and Elizabeth's mercurial temper is quite in play.

The book was a page turner that I had a hard time putting down. It was historical fiction and mystery/thriller all tied up into one fascinating package. I do hope I find time somewhere in my reading life to enjoy the other books in the series. ( )

My regret with this blog tour and novel? I didn't read books 1-3. My praise for this novel? EVERYTHING! WOW! Barbara Kyle is highly talented and INSTANTLY transported me to the Tudor Era from page one and kept me there, among the Kings, Queens, and the newly evolving England. Absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED the pages of this novel.

This is a different style of Tudor Era. Not so much in it has really changed, but the way England is evolving, with honoring more than the Catholics, and a new Queen, it's definitely a new outlook on life, during this amazing time period.

Queen Elizabeth I. A wonderfully created character that fit her role perfectly. She is tested greatly when the French troops threaten to invade England. Taking a hostage, well, that was a twist I never expected from the newly reigning Queen. I just don't think of a Queen doing those things, but it truly added an engaging and intriguing twist to the story.

What's more, and perhaps, my favorite part of the story, is Isabel and her husband Carlos. Circumstances become severe for them when he's forced to join troops. OPPOSITE his wife. A true test of love and loyalty, if ever there was one.

I want to go into so much more detail. There are so many things I want to say about this beautifully written, awe inspiring, richly detailed novel, but I fear I will giveaway too much. I want you all to grab a copy of this FANTABULOUS, beyond 5 Book worthy novel, and open the pages. See for yourself that transformation that takes place as you loose yourself among the pages of this AWESOMETASTIC novel.

Myself? Well, I'll be opening the pages of the first three Thornleigh novels to catch up with the story. While I wasn't overly confused by this novel and it's easily read as a stand alone, I would love to go back and see what this amazing author created before this. ( )