The Queen's Governess by Karen Harper

This is a story of a true character, probably never explored before. 

A young girl, Katherine Ashley, dreams of something bigger than living a country life and giving births. During a hunting accident near her house, Thomas Cromwell, powerful man of King Henry VIII’s court, is looking for help. He quickly recognizes a potential when he meets Kat. He sees somebody he can trust and use to spy for him.

She arrives at the court at the time when the first Queen is being replaced by Anne Boleyn. She survives the court intrigues for many years, witnessing further Queen replacements, until the sixth and the last Queen dies. Her biggest joy is to see her charge, Princess Elizabeth, become a Queen, who at early age already recognizes “the power of the common folk, the very backbone of England,” who yearns for religious tolerance. 

It is an interesting view, hearing a story from the one who was probably the closest to Elizabeth, her “earthly mother.” It sheds a light at a different angle on the court of Henry VIII. 

Overall, it is a well-written and pretty interesting read. Except, there were a few moments of slow pace. 

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