MY QUEEN, MY LOVE: A NOVEL OF HENRIETTA MARIA
BY ELENA MARIA VIDAL
Publication Date: November 25, 2021
Mayapple Books
Paperback & eBook; 284 pages
Series: The Henrietta of France Trilogy Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction/Biography
The youngest daughter of Henri IV, the first Bourbon King of France, Henriette-Marie always knew she would have to marry a prince. When the Prince of Wales, Charles Stuart, travels through Paris he sees her dancing at the Louvre and within two years a marriage is arranged. However, Henriette is Catholic and Catholicism is banned in England. In preparing to become Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland, Henriette has no idea of the obstacles that must be overcome before she can find happiness with Charles. The main hindrance, she soon realizes, is not the difference in religion but Charles’ best friend, George Villiers, the handsome Duke of Buckingham, who is resolved to subdue Henriette to his will. Buckingham forgets that Henriette is also half Medici and underestimates her determination to succeed as well as the depth of her love for Charles. My Queen, My Love is the first novel in the Henrietta of France Trilogy by acclaimed author Elena Maria Vidal. It describes the early years of the tumultuous marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria which preceded the English Civil Wars of the Seventeenth Century.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Praise
“Elena Maria Vidal’s new historical novel captivated me from the beginning. The fascinating story of the often tumultuous life of Henrietta Maria of France, a devout Catholic Queen living in post-Reformation England, is beautifully written. This will especially be appreciated by readers who want to immerse themselves in the world of 17th century England and France. The characters are well-developed and believable. I highly recommend this remarkable book to all who enjoy a compelling story.” —Ellen Gable, award-winning author
“Like the works by Sharon Kay Penman and other exceptional historical fiction authors, My Queen, My Love takes the reader on an intense journey back in time, allowing the reader to feel immersed in the era, the events, the people, the loves and the tragedies (and so much more). Beautifully told.” —Readers’ Favorite
“With My Queen, My Love, E.M. Vidal has brought Henrietta Maria’s passion and character to life with remarkable skill.” —Andrea Zuvich, author of Sex and Sexuality in Stuart Britain
“Elena Maria Vidal envelops readers in period detail with each rustle of silk, every whispered prophecy. A richly told tale of intrigue and betrayal, loyalty and hope, My Queen, My Love rushes headlong towards the tumultuous history of the English Civil War.” —Mary Jo Anderson, author of Male and Female He Made Them
“Henrietta Maria’s life is so richly improbable that it’s unusual that she hasn’t attracted the attention of more historical novelists. Now, we have an exciting, beautifully-researched, and sympathetic first installment in a new trilogy inspired by this remarkable seventeenth-century queen.” —Gareth Russell, author of A History of the English Monarchy: From Boadicea to Elizabeth I and An Illustrated Introduction to the Tudors
Review:
Henriette was the youngest daughter of King Henri IV of France and Marie de Medici. At 13, she caught the eye of Charles Stuart, Prince of Wales. At 15, Henriette is married to Charles and becomes Queen Henrietta Marie. While Charles and Henriette did find love for one another early on; their relationship is plagued with difficulties. Henriette has difficulty assimilating to England and learning the language. Henriette is Catholic and was promised in her marriage contract that she could continue to practice, but Charles is Anglican. Lastly, Charles' best friend, the Duke of Buckingham seems to be purposely causing Henriette trouble at every turn. With Buckingham leading a seemingly ill-fated war against her home country, Henriette's life seems to be ill-fated; however, Henriette is determined to persevere.
My Queen, My Love is the first book in a trilogy about the life of Henrietta of France. This book focuses on Henrietta's early marriage to Charles Stuart. The writing incorporated intricate historical detail and I love that Henriette was the focus of the story. Henriette is very innocent yet determined and much smarter than most people probably realized. I was intrigued by Charles and Henriette's tumultuous marriage. It seemed that they truly loved one another, but were greatly affected by religious differences, and meddling by the Duke of Buckingham. I would have loved to have some insights into the Duke of Buckingham's actions, maybe a chapter of two from his point of view. With a surprising ending leading into a turbulent time in England's history, I am excited to see where Henriette's story leads next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
BY ELENA MARIA VIDAL
Publication Date: November 25, 2021
Mayapple Books
Paperback & eBook; 284 pages
Series: The Henrietta of France Trilogy Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction/Biography
The youngest daughter of Henri IV, the first Bourbon King of France, Henriette-Marie always knew she would have to marry a prince. When the Prince of Wales, Charles Stuart, travels through Paris he sees her dancing at the Louvre and within two years a marriage is arranged. However, Henriette is Catholic and Catholicism is banned in England. In preparing to become Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland, Henriette has no idea of the obstacles that must be overcome before she can find happiness with Charles. The main hindrance, she soon realizes, is not the difference in religion but Charles’ best friend, George Villiers, the handsome Duke of Buckingham, who is resolved to subdue Henriette to his will. Buckingham forgets that Henriette is also half Medici and underestimates her determination to succeed as well as the depth of her love for Charles. My Queen, My Love is the first novel in the Henrietta of France Trilogy by acclaimed author Elena Maria Vidal. It describes the early years of the tumultuous marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria which preceded the English Civil Wars of the Seventeenth Century.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Praise
“Elena Maria Vidal’s new historical novel captivated me from the beginning. The fascinating story of the often tumultuous life of Henrietta Maria of France, a devout Catholic Queen living in post-Reformation England, is beautifully written. This will especially be appreciated by readers who want to immerse themselves in the world of 17th century England and France. The characters are well-developed and believable. I highly recommend this remarkable book to all who enjoy a compelling story.” —Ellen Gable, award-winning author
“Like the works by Sharon Kay Penman and other exceptional historical fiction authors, My Queen, My Love takes the reader on an intense journey back in time, allowing the reader to feel immersed in the era, the events, the people, the loves and the tragedies (and so much more). Beautifully told.” —Readers’ Favorite
“With My Queen, My Love, E.M. Vidal has brought Henrietta Maria’s passion and character to life with remarkable skill.” —Andrea Zuvich, author of Sex and Sexuality in Stuart Britain
“Elena Maria Vidal envelops readers in period detail with each rustle of silk, every whispered prophecy. A richly told tale of intrigue and betrayal, loyalty and hope, My Queen, My Love rushes headlong towards the tumultuous history of the English Civil War.” —Mary Jo Anderson, author of Male and Female He Made Them
“Henrietta Maria’s life is so richly improbable that it’s unusual that she hasn’t attracted the attention of more historical novelists. Now, we have an exciting, beautifully-researched, and sympathetic first installment in a new trilogy inspired by this remarkable seventeenth-century queen.” —Gareth Russell, author of A History of the English Monarchy: From Boadicea to Elizabeth I and An Illustrated Introduction to the Tudors
Review:
Henriette was the youngest daughter of King Henri IV of France and Marie de Medici. At 13, she caught the eye of Charles Stuart, Prince of Wales. At 15, Henriette is married to Charles and becomes Queen Henrietta Marie. While Charles and Henriette did find love for one another early on; their relationship is plagued with difficulties. Henriette has difficulty assimilating to England and learning the language. Henriette is Catholic and was promised in her marriage contract that she could continue to practice, but Charles is Anglican. Lastly, Charles' best friend, the Duke of Buckingham seems to be purposely causing Henriette trouble at every turn. With Buckingham leading a seemingly ill-fated war against her home country, Henriette's life seems to be ill-fated; however, Henriette is determined to persevere.
My Queen, My Love is the first book in a trilogy about the life of Henrietta of France. This book focuses on Henrietta's early marriage to Charles Stuart. The writing incorporated intricate historical detail and I love that Henriette was the focus of the story. Henriette is very innocent yet determined and much smarter than most people probably realized. I was intrigued by Charles and Henriette's tumultuous marriage. It seemed that they truly loved one another, but were greatly affected by religious differences, and meddling by the Duke of Buckingham. I would have loved to have some insights into the Duke of Buckingham's actions, maybe a chapter of two from his point of view. With a surprising ending leading into a turbulent time in England's history, I am excited to see where Henriette's story leads next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
About the Author
Elena Maria Vidal was born in Florence, Oregon in 1962 but grew up in Frederick County, Maryland. She received her BA in Psychology from Hood College and her MA in Modern European History from SUNY Albany. She has been a member of the Secular Order of Mount Carmel since 1986. Elena enjoys cooking, gardening, opera and working with the elderly. She lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her family. She is currently engaged in writing a historical fiction trilogy about Queen Henrietta Maria. Elena’s Tea at Trianon blog deals with social, religious and political issues as well as history. My Queen, My Love is her fifth novel and sixth book.
For more information please visit Elena’s website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
Elena Maria Vidal was born in Florence, Oregon in 1962 but grew up in Frederick County, Maryland. She received her BA in Psychology from Hood College and her MA in Modern European History from SUNY Albany. She has been a member of the Secular Order of Mount Carmel since 1986. Elena enjoys cooking, gardening, opera and working with the elderly. She lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her family. She is currently engaged in writing a historical fiction trilogy about Queen Henrietta Maria. Elena’s Tea at Trianon blog deals with social, religious and political issues as well as history. My Queen, My Love is her fifth novel and sixth book.
For more information please visit Elena’s website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
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