Synopses & Reviews
Based on historical figures and events, this richly drawn and beautifully written debut novel transports readers into the lush world of Henry VIII where a courtier and a royally commissioned artist uncover secrets that could mean the end of the King’s reign.
John Parker is one of Henry VIII’s most useful courtiers—utterly merciless and completely loyal. But one small favor for his King pulls Parker into a deadly plot against the throne: one that will test his courage, his resolve, and most especially, his heart. This hunter is about to become the hunted.A commission from Henry VIII should have been the crowning achievement of Susanna Horenbout’s career, but before the beautiful and talented artist even sets foot in England, she finds herself in possession of a secret that could change its history. With Parker as her only protection against killers who will stop at nothing to silence her, Susanna has to trust the dangerous, enigmatic courtier. She’s used to fighting in a man’s world, but she never expected to be battling for her life—or her heart.
Lush in its detail, smooth in its execution, and breathtaking in its voice, Illuminations offers a masterful blend of Tudor court intrigue, romance, and scandal that will delight fans of Philippa Gregory and Anne Easter Smith.
Synopsis
One of the King's courtiers and commissioned artist Susanna Horenbout, uncover secrets that could mean the end of the King Henry VIII's reign.
Synopsis
The Tudor court's most loyal and deadly courtier and a female artist uncover secrets that could mean the end of the King Henry VIII's reign.
Synopsis
An unconventional woman. A deadly enemy. A clash of intrigue, deception, and desire. . . .
1525: Artist Susanna Horenbout is sent from Belgium to be Henry VIII’s personal illuminator inside the royal palace. But her new homeland greets her with an attempt on her life, and the King’s most lethal courtier, John Parker, is charged with keeping her safe. As further attacks are made, Susanna and Parker realize that she unknowingly carries the key to a bloody plot against the throne. For while Richard de la Pole amasses troops in France for a Yorkist invasion, a traitor prepares to trample the kingdom from within.
Who is the mastermind? Why are men vying to kill the woman Parker protects with his life? With a motley gang of urchins, Susanna’s wits, and Parker’s fierce instincts, honed on the streets and in palace chambers, the two slash through deadly layers of deceit in a race against time. For in the court of Henry VIII, secrets are the last to die. . . .
Brilliantly revealing a little-known historical figure who lived among the Tudors, Michelle Diener makes a smashing historical fiction debut.
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About the Author
Michelle Diener has always had a passion for reading and writing. She began writing stories when her parents gave her a typewriter for her twelfth birthday, and she hasn’t stopped since. Born in London and raised in South Africa, she now lives on the west coast of Australia with her husband and two small children.