Books to read if you loved Hilary Mantel's The Mirror and the Light

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Reading lists

Books to read if you loved Hilary Mantel’s ‘The Mirror & The Light’

(The Tudor Saga: 10): a fantastic blend of history and romance set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe from the Queen of British historical fiction

The Spanish Bridegroom

Blending history with romance and drama, Jean Plaidy explores the Tudor dynasty and the political intrigue throughout their reign.

A fantastic blend of history and romance set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe - the story of Philip II of Spain and the Tudor Queen Mary.

From the pen of international multi-million copy bestseller Jean Plaidy comes a beautifully evocative depiction of the story of Philip II of Spain and the Tudor Queen Mary. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory. 
 
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting' -- Observer 
'Outstanding' -- Vanity Fair 
'It is hard to better Jean Plaidy when she is in form' -- Daily Mirror 
'I was gripped from the first page' -- ***** Reader review 
'A riveting read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story - could not put it' -- ***** Reader review 
**************************************************************** 
To restore the power of Spain and bring England back to the iron embrace of the Holy Church, the young Philip agrees to marry Mary Tudor. His golden hair and pale skin fill the middle-aged Queen with thoughts of hitherto forbidden pleasures. Yet Philip is merely playing the servant to his country... 
 
Set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe, the Spain of the dreaded Inquisition and the tortured England of Bloody Mary, this powerful novel traces the story of Philip II - and of the woman who came to know this cold-blooded monster only as a devoted husband and a sensual lover.

Jean Plaidy, one of the preeminent authors of historical fiction for most of the twentieth century, is the pen name of the prolific English author Eleanor Hibbert, also known as Victoria Holt. Jean Plaidy's novels had sold more than 14 million copies worldwide by the time of her death in 1993.

From the pen of international multi-million copy bestseller Jean Plaidy comes a beautifully evocative depiction of the story of Philip II of Spain and the Tudor Queen Mary. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory. 
 
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting' -- Observer 
'Outstanding' -- Vanity Fair 
'It is hard to better Jean Plaidy when she is in form' -- Daily Mirror 
'I was gripped from the first page' -- ***** Reader review 
'A riveting read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Great story - could not put it' -- ***** Reader review 
**************************************************************** 
To restore the power of Spain and bring England back to the iron embrace of the Holy Church, the young Philip agrees to marry Mary Tudor. His golden hair and pale skin fill the middle-aged Queen with thoughts of hitherto forbidden pleasures. Yet Philip is merely playing the servant to his country... 
 
 Set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe, the Spain of the dreaded Inquisition and the tortured England of Bloody Mary, this powerful novel traces the story of Philip II - and of the woman who came to know this cold-blooded monster only as a devoted husband and a sensual lover.

(Norman Series)

The Lion of Justice

Journey through the reign of William the Conqueror and his sons as they fight to keep civil war at bay and their line on the throne.

Henry, the youngest of The Conquerer's sons assumes the mantle of The Lion of Justice

Henry, the youngest of The Conquerer's sons assumes the mantle of The Lion of Justice. 
 
The death of The Conqueror left three sons to inherit his power and his wealth. Normandy for Robert, England for Rufus and for Henry, the youngest, five thousand pounds of silver. 
 
The three were natural rivals. The feckless Robert lost Norman dukedom in an orgy of impulsive extravagance. Red-haired Rufus scandalised the court with his perverse sexuality and contempt for the Church. 
 
And Henry-cleverest of all-awaited his chance to fulfil his father’s prophecy and assume the mantle of The Lion of Justice. 
 
 
‘Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation has become one of the country’s most widely read novelists.’ Sunday Times 
 
‘Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.’ Observer 
 
‘Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.’ New York Times 
 
‘Outstanding’ Vanity Fair

The Bastard King

The first book in the Norman Trilogy chronicles the life of William the Conquerer

Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation has become one of the country’s most widely read novelists.

Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.

The first book in the Norman Trilogy chronicles the life of William the Conquerer. 
 
This glorious novel chronicles the life of William the Conqueror, the bastard son of the Duke of Normandy, from childhood until his death in 1087. 
 
He is destined to succeed his father as the Duke of Normandy but questions about his legitimacy mean he consistently faces challenges from potential usurpers in the Duchy to retain the title. He marries Matilda, the equally intelligent and ambitious daughter of the King of Flanders, and together they have many children. 
 
In 1066, he crosses the channel from Normandy to England and seizes the crown from King Harold, Edward the Confessor’s popular successor. This is the roller coaster account of his efforts to become sovereign and the events in his life afterwards, including his turbulent relationships with various members of his family.

Daughter of Satan

A wonderful blend of history and romance with drama

A wonderful blend of history and romance with drama 
 
Even Tamar's mother believed that the child had been forced on her by the Devil when, against her judgement, she was persuaded to attend a midsummer sabbat of witches. In a world of superstition and intolerance, the wild and beautiful Tamar seemed doomed to a violent death. Intelligent though untutored, she attracts the wanted attentions of two gentleman, one passionate, the other pious. But all thoughts of romance are suspended when the terrifying witch-pricker comes to town... 
 
Daughter of Satan is a moving and exciting novel of fanaticism and persecution, of witches and puritan, pirates and savages. From Old Plymouth to New Plymouth in search of a new life, came Tamar, the passionate pilgrim, the woman whom many believed to be the daughter of Satan.

The Queen of Diamonds

A story of greed, duplicity, romance and intrigue, and a mystery said to have brought down the french monarchy

Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation, has become one of the country’s most widely read novelists.

A story of greed, duplicity, romance and intrigue, and a mystery said to have brought down the french monarchy. 
 
The world shook at the eruption of the French Revolution, a revolution, some say, precipitated by a single factor: the theft of the Diamond Necklace which, it seemed, had been commissioned for Marie Antoinette and helped to bring both her and King Louis XVI to the guillotine. 
 
But behind the scandal was a complex and daring conspiracy involving a Prince of the Royal House of France, the charming and deceitful countess Jeanne de Valois, and the infamous Comte de Cagliostro – all pawns in a secret, devious plot for wealth and supremacy in Europe. 
 
‘Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation has become one of the country’s most widely read novelists.’ Sunday Times 
 
‘Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.’ Observer 
 
‘Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.’ New York Times 
 
‘Outstanding’ Vanity Fair

(Georgian Series)

Perdita's Prince

From one of the most distinguished English authors of historical fiction comes a series that explores the lives of eleven Georgian figures. Beginning with the beautiful Sophia Dorothea, darling of Celle, and ending with Victoria's rise to become Queen of England.

One of the county's most widely read novelists brings us scandalous Prince Charming - George, Prince of Wales ...

One of the county's most widely read novelists brings us scandalous Prince Charming - George, Prince of Wales ... 
 
George III, fighting madness and the loss of the American colonies, has a domestic crisis as well. The 17-year-old Prince of Wales, fighting the puritanical decorum of his parents' court, is about to begin his career of womanizing, gambling and consorting with the king's political enemies. 
 
At the Drury Lane Theatre, the prince is enchanted by popular actress Mary Robinson in the role of Perdita in A Winter's Tale. Although she is older, married and a mother, the Prince sets her up as his mistress. Mary has had many adventures, and is not averse to the attentions of the young price despite much opposition from those around them. 
 
Like most royal scandals however, the affair doesn’t last. George has no notion of fidelity and soon loses interest in her, but she won’t let him escape without a fight. The affair is used to advantage by the King's political opponents, while the Prince moves on to newer, more flamboyant dalliances, happily anticipating the unbridled indulgence his 21st birthday will permit.

Jean Plaidy

This is the third and final book in The Norman Trilogy and tells the story of the last days of the reign of Henry I. 
 
His son and wife are dead, and Henry hastily remarries a woman more than thirty years his junior in the hope of producing a male heir and securing the succession. 
 
If he fails, the throne will pass to Matilda, and Henry fears that his nobles will not willingly serve a woman. But after his death this feckless daughter becomes the focus of a line of would-be kings and soon the country is plunged into a bitter civil war that only a child can undo. 
 
‘Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation has become one of the country’s most widely read novelists.’ Sunday Times 
 
‘Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.’ Observer 
 
‘Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.’ New York Times 
 
‘Outstanding’ Vanity Fair

The Passionate Enemies

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Jean Plaidy combines imagination with facts to bring the French Revolution alive in this dynamic historical fiction series. From Louis XV’s debauchery to Marie Antionette’s demise, it is clear there was only one way this was going to end.

French Revolution

Georgian Series

Witness the political struggles and tragedies of Queen Isabella, King Ferdinand and their children as ambitions take over in a time of civil war.

Isabella & Ferdinand Trilogy

Meet Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander VI and member of 15th century Rome's most notorious family. Scandal and tragedy follow her everywhere as she struggles to choose between love and loyalty.

Lucrezia Borgia

Follow the incredible journey of Mary Queen of Scots from her coronoation at just six days old, through to her imprisonment by ruthless cousin Queen Elizabeth I.

Mary Stuart

This series follows the life of Catherine de Medicirides beginning with her childhood, her subsequent political marriage to Henry, Duke of Orleans, and concluding with her drive to end the conflict between Catholic Spain and Protestant England.

Medici Trilogy

Norman Series

In this historical fiction series, Jean Plaidy traces the private lives and political machinations of the Plantagenet family, from Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine to Edward IV and the Wars of the Roses.

Plantagenet Saga

Incredibly detailed, exciting and vibrant is Plaidy's thrilling Queen of England series which depicts the lives of each queen beginning with Queen Henrietta Maria.

Queen of England Series

In this extraordinary series about Queen Victoria, Jean Plaidy re-creates a remarkable life filled with romance, triumph, and tragedy.

Queen Victoria

Unforgettable in its dramatic depiction of relationships between monarchs and families, this series delves into the scandal and betrayal behind the Stuart family during their reign.

Jean Plaidy

Books by Jean Plaidy

Series by Jean Plaidy

French Revolution3 Books

Georgian Series11 Books

Isabella & Ferdinand Trilogy3 Books

Lucrezia Borgia2 Books

Mary Stuart2 Books

Medici Trilogy3 Books

Articles featuring Jean Plaidy

Books to read if you loved Hilary Mantel’s ‘The Mirror & The Light’

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