Mistress of Mourning

PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS

OF KAREN HARPER

Mistress of Mourning

“The grief of a sister and mother who also happens to be queen of England combines with the fire and spirit of a lovely waxworker in Karen Harper’s riveting tale of just what might have happened to the princes in the tower and to the first Tudor crown prince.”

—Karleen Koen,
New York Times
bestselling author of
Through a Glass Darkly
and
Before Versailles

“Beloved author Karen Harper brings Elizabeth of York to vivid life in
Mistress of Mourning.
Through the eyes of charming and adventurous wax chandler Varina Westcott, the tumultuous era of the newborn Tudor dynasty is depicted as it surely was—a time rife with danger, passion, and murder. The exciting story and its appealing heroine kept me reading late into the night with sheer enjoyment.”

—Sandra Worth, author of
Pale Rose of England
and
The King’s Daughter

“Much like her endearing chandler heroine, Varina, Karen Harper warmly illuminates a little-explored craft and two persistent royal mysteries, skillfully melding the hearts and lives of the high- and lowborn.
Mistress of Mourning
delivers adventure, romance, and surprise; a fresh cache of treasure for devoted Tudorphiles, the book is also certain to enchant readers new to the era’s charms.”

—Sandra Byrd, author of
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn

The Queen’s Governess

Selected as a “Recommended Read”

by the
Los Angeles Times

“Harper’s diligent research, realistic portrayal, and insider-outsider heroine will hook those who can’t get enough of England’s turbulent history. Still, bestseller Harper maintains her focus on the roles of women—both powerful and powerless—in Tudor England, resulting in another enjoyable protofeminist historical romp.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“A lively and historically grounded reimagining of two Tudor survivors.”

—
Kirkus Reviews

“Well-paced and full of pitch-perfect detail…as good as the best of Philippa Gregory…sure to be a big hit with historical fiction fans and book clubs.”

—
Library Journal

“Ms. Harper, who has written extensively on the Elizabethan era, creates a world that is thoroughly engaging and fully believable. She knows her characters well and sketches the political intrigues of the Tudor court with a sure hand…a classic of Tudor-era historical fiction.”

—Writing the Renaissance

The Irish Princess

“Karen Harper writes with wit and elegance, offering her deep knowledge of Tudor and Irish history while madly entertaining us along the way.
The Irish Princess
is an amazing novel full of love and conflict, and it kept me up all night.”

—Luanne Rice, author of
The Silver Boat

“A writer named Harper should have the bardic touch, the storytelling gift. Karen Harper does. Told by a member of the flamboyant Fitzgerald family,
The Irish Princess
is an intricate web of politics and passion. From the first page, the reader is immersed in the dangerous atmosphere of Tudor England—as seen through Irish eyes. We are invited to feel history. What more can a bard do?”

—Morgan Llywelyn, author of
Lion of Ireland
,
The Irish Century
, and
Brendan

“A vivid and satisfying read.”

—Elizabeth Loupas, author of
The Flower Reader

“Vivid and suspenseful…[an] enormously entertaining story peopled with all the famous Tudors seen through Irish eyes. A great read.”

—Jeane Westin, author of
The Virgin’s Daughters
and
His Last Letter

Mistress Shakespeare

Chosen for the 2011 Choose to Read Ohio Program

“This intoxicating, fictionalized memoir of Shakespeare in love is a romantic roller coaster rich with vivid details reminiscent of
Romeo and Juliet
.”

—
Women’s Day

“The narrative abounds with genuine period details, witty dialogue, and intertwined references to Shakespeare’s works.…Anne and Will’s tale is engagingly told.”

—
The Historical Novels Review

“A fun romp through Elizabethan England with Shakespeare’s mysterious muse.”

—Lauren Willig, author of
The Orchid Affair

“So vivid and authentic—a totally satisfying re-creation of one of the great Shakespeare mysteries. I couldn’t put it down!”

—Rosalind Miles, author of the Guenevere Trilogy

“Karen Harper has written a riveting tale of intrigue and passion that plunges the reader straight into the complex heart of Elizabethan England. Rich with detail and drama,
Mistress Shakespeare
is a story Shakespearean fans will love.”

—Deanna Raybourn, author of
The Dead Travel Fast

“Karen Harper returns to the world of Elizabethan England in one of the most exquisite novels I have read in a very long time. Considered merely a footnote in Shakespeare’s life, Anne Whateley now takes her place at center stage in a story which will have readers wishing there were many more acts to come. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this book.”

—Michelle Moran, author of
Cleopatra’s Daughter

“Harper…knows her period well, and it shows…in sure handling of the details of politics, theater, and daily life.…Anne is an appealing and spirited heroine, and her tale will be enjoyed by historical fiction fans.”

—
Booklist

“The novel’s chief pleasures derive from the easy intersection of Shakespeare’s work, the history of Elizabethan England, and the life that the author imagines Shakespeare might have had.…The Bard’s language infuses the story with life.”

—
Publishers Weekly

ALSO BY KAREN HARPER

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH I MYSTERY SERIES

Mistress
of Mourning

K
AREN
H
ARPER

ALWAYS LEARNING

PEARSON

IMPORTANT EVENTS BEFORE THE STORY BEGINS