"Fine sixteenth century romance"

In 1519 Giles FitzHugh breaks off his betrothal to Phillipa Meredith, a Lady in Waiting to Queen Katherine of Aragon, because he has decided to take holy vows instead. Stunned because she had expected to one day marry Giles, she informs him there will be no one else. Her mother Rosamund asks her uncle Sir Thomas Bolton to find a husband for his niece. Thomas selects an Earl, Crispin St. Clair as the groom.

Crispin finds the charming outrageous Phillipa quite fun as he sees her inexperience and youth as an asset. He courts her with passion and she falls in love with him. She accepts his proposal even as the Kings of England and France prepare for a historic meeting. Phillipa has knowledge that a plot to kill Henry is afoot and must be stopped.

Bertrice Small fans will take immense pleasure with her latest heated historical romance starring two enchanting protagonists caught in the middle of major events that shape that part of the world for years to come. The story line is action-packed but clearly belongs to the intrepid heroine as she rebounds with love but also deals with treachery. PHILLIPA is a fine sixteenth century romance with a strong cast caught in the maelstrom of momentous happenings.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 10, 2004

New York Times bestselling author Bertrice Small takes us back to the sensuality, drama, and intrigue of King Henry's sixteenth-century court to tell the story of the daughter of one of her most beloved characters.

Summary

The eldest child of Rosamund Bolton and heiress to the Friarsgate manor, Philippa Meredith is devastated when she discovers that the man she sought to marry has rebuffed her. But it is this sudden change of fortune that sweeps the spirited beauty back to her place in the court of Queen Katherine of Aragon-and into the arms of Crispin St. Clair, the Earl of Witton. But when Philippa stumbles onto a plot to assassinate King Henry VIII, their very love is tested as they attempt to unmask those who are plotting to tear the royal court asunder.