Mary Tudor, the headstrong younger sister of the ruthless King Henry VIII, has always been her brother’s favorite-but now she is also an important political bargaining chip. When she is promised to the elderly, ailing King Louis of France, a heartbroken Mary accepts her fate, but not before extracting a promise from her brother: When the old king dies, her next marriage shall be solely of her choosing. For Mary has a forbidden passion, and is determined, through her own cunning, courage, and boldness, to forge her own destiny.

The Secret Bride is the triumphant tale of one extraordinary woman who meant to stay true to her heart and live her life just as her royal brother did- by her own rules…

Mary Tudor is one that is not often talked about unless there are whispers about her marriage to Charles Brandon, or they are talking about her not overly historical portrayal on The Tudors. Diane Haeger creates a great story of the events of young childhood through to adult hood of Mary Tudor and it all takes place from her point of view. From the loss of her Brother Arthur, to her parents to watching as her Brother becomes a fine King in his own right, but then also begins down the path that he is most remembered for. How many Mistresses and Wives he had.

The story is solid and entertaining weaving a good amount of fact with in the fictions to keep it very interesting. There are a few points that drag on a little bit slow but over all it is an entertaining cover to cover read. A good read for the Tudor era.

My Gemstone Rating: