In the late 1400s/early 1500s, Perkin Warbeck claimed to be the rightful King of England. He claimed he was actually Richard IV, who had been imprisoned in the Tower of London as a boy with his older brother. It was thought that both young princes died in the Tower, but there was a rumour that Richard had escaped.

In this novel, told mostly from the point of view of Richard's wife, Catherine, the two of them come to England from Scotland (where she was royalty) with their son, intending on claiming his throne from Henry VII. Catherine and Richard were in love (not common amongst royal marriages at the time), so it was hard on them to be separated once they were taken “prisoner” by Henry (and their infant son, Dicken, was taken from them and hidden). Catherine was serving as one of Queen Elizabeth's (Henry VII's wife) ladies, while the Tudor spies kept a close eye on Richard. This book follows the story beyond Richard's death, to follow Catherine in the years after he was gone.

I really liked this. I've just recently (the past couple of years) started reading more about the Wars of the Roses, but I haven't read a lot about the two young princes (Edward and Richard), though I want to read more, nor have I read anything about Perkin Warbeck (though I knew his name). Appreciated the author's note at the end, too (as always with historical fiction). Maybe Perkin Warbeck was Richard IV... ( )

This is the third of Sandra Worth's book I have read. It is well written and once again kept me up way past my bedtime. She has become one of my favorite authors.
It has also given me a new path for further investigation. Oh Perkin, were you or weren't you? I would love to believe you actually were the missing Richard, the younger of the 'princes in the tower'. But we cannot be sure; we aren't even sure where he is buried.
I have also become very interested in Catherine Gordon. She sounds as if she was an amazing woman. I foresee more books being added to my "to read" list. Anything by Sandra Worth will definitely be there. ( )

I love how Sandra melded together history and fiction. ( )

A novel based on the life of Lady Catherine Gordon, the wife of Perkin Warbeck, who claimed to be Prince Richard of York and attempted to wrestle the English throne from Henry VII. While the author presents a compelling case for Warbeck's legitimacy in the concluding note, I wish she had included more of her argument in the novel itself. Nevertheless, I appreciate this fictional portrayal of a little-known historical figure who clearly played a unique role in the early Tudor court. I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction set in Tudor England. ( )

Catherine Gordon, a Scottish beauty and nephew to King James IV, is married to Richard, the Duke of York and the rightful King of England. Their marriage is a happy one, full of love and political promise. Catherine and Richard, along with their young son sail to England to take back the throne from the usurper Henry Tudor. Full of youth and promise, they believe the English will welcome them with open arms. Defeated and captured, their young son is taken from them. They spend the next few years living in fear in the Tudor Court. Henry, who is married to Richard's sister, longs to make Catherine his own and be rid of Richard once and for all. Political pressures keep Richard a prisoner and Catherine a hostage. After much abuse, Richard wishes for death and is executed. Catherine is relieved that Richard is free, but is heartbroken. Still a captive of England, she is given land and starts to make a new life for herself.
This book was an amazing story. History maintains that it was Perkin Warbeck who married Catherine Gordon and landed on England's shores. Sandra Worth presents the story of the living prince, Richard. Catherine is forced to face many adversities. The reader watches as her life that was full of promise as England's queen is transformed into a captive pseudo widow. When she is finally a widow, the reader's heart breaks for the grieving Catherine. Even in her grief, Catherine holds her head high and defies the will of Henry VII. This book was heartbreaking and endearing all at the same time. I think I cried through a third of the book. Bravo Sandra Worth! ( )