Description:

Whitehall 1540. Amid political betrayal and sexual intrigue, one woman fights for her soul. The next page-turner in theJoanna Stafford series is here, plunging readers into the heart of the Tudor court. Says bestselling author Alison Weir: "Nancy Bilyeau's passion for history infuses her books and transports us back to the dangerous world of Tudor England. Vivid characters and gripping plots are at the heart of this wonderful trilogy, and this third book will not fail to thrill readers. Warmly recommended!" The story: After her priory in Dartford is closed, Joanna resolves to live a quiet and honorable life weaving tapestries, shunning dangerous quests and conspiracies. Until she is summoned to Whitehall Palace, where her tapestry weaving has drawn the King's attention. Joanna is uncomfortable serving the King whom she has twice attempted to overthrow, unbeknownst to him. She fears for her life in a court bursting with hidden agendas and a casual disregard for the virtues she holds dear. And her suspicions are confirmed when an assassin attempts to kill her moments after arriving at Whitehall. Struggling to stay ahead of her most formidable enemy yet, an unknown one, she becomes entangled in dangerous court politics. A disturbing encounter with Thomas Cromwell propels Joanna to prominence in the King's circle. She discovered that her dear friend Catherine Howard is rumored to be the King's mistress. Joanna is determined to protect young, beautiful, naive Catherine from becoming the aging King's next wife and possibly, victim. Two friends she makes at court, painter Hans Holbein and courtier Thomas Culpepper, offer help, but at what cost?Set in a world of royal banquets and feasts, tournament jousts, ship voyages, and Tower Hill executions, this thrilling tale finds Joanna in her most dangerous situation yet, as she attempts to decide the life she wants to live: nun or wife, spy or subject, rebel or courtier. Joanna must finally choose her fate.