I received an ARC via NetGalley...

....and loved this book. Joanna is so headstrong! I love reading any history, regardless if it's fact or fiction, as long as it has ties back to credible information... Or what could seem like credible information. This is a well written book. A page turner, most definitely! I was actually one of the people who was unaware this was a series, had no trouble picking up with this book, but will definitely be getting the previous books.

Reading about Catherine, my heart almost went out to her... As a friend, you felt Joanna WANT to be there for her but couldn't understand why Catherine fluidly went along at some points. Who hasn't been there? It was a greatly descriptive book, one that I can still see in my mind.

It's on the longer side, which I like, so thanks author for not sparing the meat of the writing because of word count! Joanna is a fighter and I loved reading about her.... Really enjoyed this one! ( )

Medieval tapestries are a personal obsession of mine, so I came to Nancy Bilyeau’s The Tapestry with heightened anticipation. Knowing nothing about the series (this is the third in her Joanna Stafford series), what I expected was an historical account with a central theme revolving around the production of these timeless works of art. In fact, the heroine does weave tapestries. This, however, is ancillary to what surrounds: a brilliantly crafted historical adventure.
Joanna Stafford is a former novice living during the reign of King Henry VIII—a bad time to devote one’s life to the Church. When her priory is closed, Joanna turns to the production of tapestries. When her weaving talents warrant the attention of Henry, she is called to his court on a commission. Although Joanna is reluctant to oblige, she knows better than to turn down the powerful and ruthless monarch’s request.
Her fears are well based. Joanna, unbeknownst to Henry, was involved in an attempt to assassinate him by poisoning. No longer affiliated with those traitors, Joanna arrives at Court looking over her shoulder, and with good reason. Within moments of entering the Palace, an attempt on her life tells her she has enemies everywhere.
What follows is a tale of medieval espionage convincingly set in King Henry’s court. While fearing for her life from an unknown assailant, Joanna must walk the tightrope of maintaining good relations with the King. When she discovers her beloved friend, Catherine Howard, is lady-in-waiting to the Queen, she is at first relieved to have an ally. Joanna is then horrified to discover that the King is openly wooing Catherine as his mistress.
Ms. Bilyeau has woven, with words, a slice of history into a vivid, colorful tapestry of a story. Her heroine is far from your typical wannabe nun. In contrast, Joanna is spunky, brave and tenacious. While depicting King Henry with historical accuracy – gluttonous, egotistical, and tyrannical – the author also provides explanations for his behavior. Instead of demonizing one of history’s most ruthless kings, Ms. Bilyeau actually incites compassion in the reader for an ailing monarch who was desperately overcompensating for his severe lack of confidence.
The Tapestry is fast-paced with richly developed characters and high intrigue—a true page-turner. This masterpiece will appeal not only to fans of historical fiction, but to any reader who craves a truly mind-immersing adventure.

Like this novel but it kept referring back to previous events so there must be a first book? Story of a trapestry weavrt that is commissioned to the king and her life is in danger. ( )

Excellent read! I enjoyed this audiobook so much that I bought the earlier audiobooks in the series. It is not necessary to listen (or read) the earlier offerings to appreciate this one. However, there was a bit of history here and there that I think the earlier books will clarify.

Incorporating historical detail with mystery and a touch of romance, Nancy Bilyeau creates a world that engages the reader from the very first sentence. A veritable treasure chest of characters moves the plot and the wonderful narration of Nicola Barber brings it all to life. I can't speak highly enough of Barber's skill with her voice. I might possibly listen to her read the telephone directory- she is that good.

For audiobook fans who love history and mystery interwoven, this book is highly recommended.

Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers program for the opportunity to find yet another great author and another wonderful narrator! ( )

An excellent narrator and a strong storyline quickly drew me in to this wonderful historical mystery set in Tudor England. This is a third book in the series, but even though I had not read or listened to earlier books, the author seamlessly wove the necessary background into the story so new readers would not feel lost. Highly recommended. (Now I need to go back and listen to the two earlier books.) ( )