Rated of 5
by Georgette I. (Oxford, GA) The Tudor Secret
The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner is a fun read but not a great read. As a historical novel it has a good bit of fact and enough fiction to keep the reader interested. However, the fiction is predictable and about mid-way through the book I found myself skimming pages to find a twist or “aha moment.” The basic premise lends itself to suspense and intrigue but the novel fails to produce what could have been a unique experience.
Rated of 5
by Shirley L. (Norco, LA) Good Solid Read of An Interesting Year in History
There is so much historical fiction written about the reign of Henry VIII and that of his daughter Elizabeth I. It was refreshing and informative to read of the intrigue and power plays at court in the time between these two monarchs. I was fairly ignorant of this period of English history. Basically the plot kept the reader's interest and the characters and their connections were fascinating. At times I think the author could have been more subtle with both plot and characters. There was a "and then this happened next" quality that could have been smoother and I like my characters with more shades of gray. The good guys were perfect and the bad ones pure evil. Overall a good fun read but not outstanding.
Rated of 5
by Beth T. (Savannah, GA) The Tudor Secret
This is not my favorite genre or period, but I enjoyed the book and think the author did a good job trying to tell an old story from a fresh perspective. The plot advanced well, the chapters were a manageable length, and the history and dialogue seemed sound. Readers who love historical fiction and the Tudor period should really enjoy this book.
Rated of 5
by Doris K. (Angora, MN) The Tutor Secret
I enjoyed reading this book based at the time of the Tudor rule in England. The author blends history and fiction to tell a good story. Although Brendan Prescott is a fictional character the author makes him believable as a character who might have lived in this fascinating era. The author states this book is the first in a series about Brandon Prescott as a spymaster for Elizabeth I. I look forward to reading the next books. For historical fiction fans this is a good read.
Rated of 5
by Mindy (Alabama) The Tudor Secret
Although fast-paced and interesting, this book was lacking in depth and character development. I did enjoy learning more about the historical figures of the period, particularly about William Cecil. It was written in the first person from the viewpoint of a young man, aged 20, and for this reason I recommend it for that age group.
Rated of 5
by Terri H. (Battle Ground, washington) The Tudor Secret
A Medieval tale of mystery and intrigue set in and around the courts of dark, dank London town. Gortner's novel moves quickly and vividly conveying the smells, sights and sounds of London in and around the 1550s. The opening scenes were very enjoyable, but as the story progressed it became rather predictable and reminded me of the TV series Survivor or better yet life in corporate America today. (Maybe rightly so.) I enjoy historical fiction, but would not recommend this as it just wasn't rich and filling enough for me. Entertaining, but not a great read.
Fearless, gripping, at once darkly funny and tender, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story set in today's globalized world.
The story of an American family, middle class in middle America, ordinary in every way but one. But that exception is the beating heart of this extraordinary novel.
The best book I've read in a very long time and the first ever Bo Caldwell novel for me. I'd never before read anything about missionaries to China,...
read more
With a poetic voice, Ratner plunges us into this personal trial of a royal family wrenched from their home in Phnon Penh, Cambodia, during the late...
read more
First time novelist Vaddey Ratner captured my heart and senses in this novel based on her childhood in Cambodia. Her story transcends any news story...
read more
Amazon cuts off 5200 affiliates in Minnesota(Jun 19 2013) With Minnesota's online sales tax law due to take effect July 1, Amazon has played a familiar card by cutting ties with 5,200 members of its Associates...
Full Story
of 5
by Georgette I. (Oxford, GA) 
of 5
by Shirley L. (Norco, LA) 
of 5
by Doris K. (Angora, MN) 
