The Henrietta of France Trilogy: Book 1
Publication Date: November 25, 2021
The youngest daughter of Henri IV, the first Bourbon King of France, Henriette-Marie always knew she would have to marry a prince. When the Prince of Wales, Charles Stuart, travels through Paris he sees her dancing at the Louvre and within two years a marriage is arranged. However, Henriette is Catholic and Catholicism is banned in England. In preparing to become Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland, Henriette has no idea of the obstacles that must be overcome before she can find happiness with Charles. The main hindrance, she soon realizes, is not the difference in religion but Charles’ best friend, George Villiers, the handsome Duke of Buckingham, who is resolved to subdue Henriette to his will. Buckingham forgets that Henriette is also half Medici and underestimates her determination to succeed as well as the depth of her love for Charles.
My Queen, My Love is the first novel in the Henrietta of France Trilogy by acclaimed author Elena Maria Vidal. It describes the early years of the tumultuous marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria which preceded the English Civil Wars of the Seventeenth Century.
Stories about English royalty automatically capture my attention. As the first in a new trilogy, author Elena Maria Vidal. takes readers back to the 17th century with My Queen, My Love. The story focuses on Henrietta Maria, daughter of Marie de Medicis, who marries King Charles I of England.
Packed with research, the story provides an in-depth look into the marriage between the sister of the French king and the newly crowned English king. It’s a story highlighting the new queen’s struggle in a land with a different language and calendar, not to mention religion. As a devout Catholic, the queen finds herself at odds with a country of Protestants.
The focus on the religious turmoil was fascinating because I had not realized how much of an impact it had during this time period. Additionally, the author notes the use of astrology, which was regarded as a science at that time. To assist the reader, the author also includes a list of characters.
As with any story about royalty, intrigue takes center stage. The Duke of Buckingham is a dastardly character determined to make life miserable for the new queen. Yet Henrietta is not without resources since her mother watches over her from France. The twists and turns are engrossing, particularly since the storyline is rooted in fact.
The first installment draws to a natural close, leaving the reader excited about what the next installment will deliver. Will England become more tolerant of Catholicism? Will King Charles find a way to fill the empty coffers?
My Queen, My Love celebrates a royal marriage based on love and explores the many challenges faced by the new English queen.
Elena Maria Vidal was born in Florence, Oregon in 1962 but grew up in Frederick County, Maryland. She received her BA in Psychology from Hood College and her MA in Modern European History from SUNY Albany. She has been a member of the Secular Order of Mount Carmel since 1986. Elena enjoys cooking, gardening, opera and working with the elderly. She lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her family. She is currently engaged in writing a historical fiction trilogy about Queen Henrietta Maria. Elena’s Tea at Trianon blog deals with social, religious and political issues as well as history. My Queen, My Love is her fifth novel and sixth book.
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Good reviews! This sounds very interesting.
Thanks for the wonderful review! I am honored and touched!