Synopses & Reviews
A sweeping tale of sexual seduction and intrigue at the court of Henry VIII,
At the Mercy of the Queen is a rich and dramatic debut historical about Madge Shelton, cousin and lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn.
At the innocent age of fifteen, Lady Margaret Shelton arrives at the court of Henry VIII and quickly becomes the confidante of her cousin, Queen Anne Boleyn. But she soon finds herself drawn into the perilous web of Annes ambition.
Desperate to hold onto the kings waning affection, Anne schemes to have him take her guileless young cousin as mistress, ensuring her husbands new paramour will owe her loyalty to the queen. But Margaret has fallen deeply in love with a handsome young courtier. She is faced with a terrible dilemma: give herself to the king and betray the love of her life or refuse to become his mistress and jeopardize the life of the her cousin, Queen Anne.
“A stunningly engrossing and fast read; historical fiction readers will snatch it up and shout, ‘Thank you!”—Library Journal (starred review)
Review
"A fresh take on Henrys court that even readers exhausted of Tudor historicals will find new and exciting."
--Publishers Weekly
Review
"A fresh take on Henrys court that even readers exhausted of Tudor historicals will find new and exciting."
--Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
A sweeping tale of sexual seduction and intrigue at the court of Henry VIII, At the Mercy of the Queen is a rich and dramatic debut historical about Madge Shelton, cousin and lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn.
At the innocent age of fifteen, Lady Margaret Shelton arrives at the court of Henry VIII and quickly becomes the confidante of her cousin, Queen Anne Boleyn. But she soon finds herself drawn into the perilous web of Annes ambition.
Desperate to hold onto the kings waning affection, Anne schemes to have him take her guileless young cousin as mistress, ensuring her husbands new paramour will owe her loyalty to the queen. But Margaret has fallen deeply in love with a handsome young courtier. She is faced with a terrible dilemma: give herself to the king and betray the love of her life or refuse to become his mistress and jeopardize the life of her cousin, Queen Anne.
Synopsis
A sweeping tale of sexual seduction and intrigue at the court of Henry VIII, At the Mercy of the Queen is a rich and dramatic debut historical about Madge Shelton, cousin and lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn.
At the innocent age of fifteen, Lady Margaret Shelton arrives at the court of Henry VIII and quickly becomes the confidante of her cousin, Queen Anne Boleyn. But she soon finds herself drawn into the perilous web of Annes ambition.
Desperate to hold onto the kings waning affection, Anne schemes to have him take her guileless young cousin as mistress, ensuring her husbands new paramour will owe her loyalty to the queen. But Margaret has fallen deeply in love with a handsome young courtier. She is faced with a terrible dilemma: give herself to the king and betray the love of her life or refuse to become his mistress and jeopardize the life of her cousin, Queen Anne.
About the Author
Anne Clinard Barnhill has published short stories, poetry, a memoir and hundreds of articles and book reviews over the last twenty years. This is her first novel. Barnhill has taught writing in a variety of venues and been keynote speaker for numerous events. She lives in North Carolina.
Reading Group Guide
1. At the Mercy of the Queen takes place during Anne Boleyns reign as queen. What did you discover about England at this time? Who were the major players and what were their motivations?
2. Anne Boleyn is one of historys most popular figures. Why do you think she continues to exert such fascination, so many years after her life?
3. How would you describe the character of Henry VIII? Was he a monster or a hero for religious reform?
4. Did Henry really love Anne? Do you think Anne truly loved Henry? What do you think went wrong in their relationship?
5. How was Madge, or Anne for that matter, different from other women of her era? Do you think she was “ahead of her time”? What do you see as her most and least admirable qualities? Take a moment to talk about women and their place in Tudor society.
6. How does Arthurs illegitimacy affect him?
7. Who was your favorite character in the book, and why?
8. Why do you think Anne Boleyns plan did not work?
9. To what extent do you think Anne Clinard Barnhill took artistic liberties with this work? What does it take for a novelist to bring a “real” period to life?
10. We are taught, as young readers, that every story has a “moral.” Is there a moral to At the Mercy of the Queen? What can we learn about our world—and ourselves—from Madges story?