I liked the book but didn't love it. It started off very slow and then picked up only to drop off again and then escalated again until the end. It took me a very long time to connect with the main character Lucy and found I was more connected to her sister-in-law Anne. At times, there was unnecessary repetitiveness but I thoroughly enjoyed the healing remedy recipes between each chapters - very unique and interesting.

I will read the second book in the series but will read something in between first. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is so very well written. It is an engrossing story, I feel I know that era better now. Lucy is such a wonderful character, I am now moving on to By Love Divided, I’m sure it won’t disappoint. ( )

Lucy St.John is an orphan in English at the pivotal time of the rise of James I. Throughout her youth, she has been raised by her Aunt Joan and with her sister Barbara. Joan and Barbara seem to have found a common alliance against Lucy and only care about their own rise within English Society. As the women grow, Barbara finds a way to friendship with the influential and corrupt Frances Howard and Lucy find a courtly romance with Frances' brother, Theo. However, Barbara ensures that Lucy will not find happiness there and poisons their relationship. Lucy moves on with her life, travels and takes in knowledge of medicinal plants and when all seems lost, she meets Sir Allen Apsley. They marry and Allen takes a position at the Tower of London, leaving Lucy as Mistress of the Tower.

As someone who loves reading about Tudor England, I was excited to read about the time period directly after but that took place within one of the most iconic settings of the Tudor reign, the Tower of London. Lucy was a character that I automatically connected with, she was incredibly strong in spirit, refusing to be beat down by her aunt and sister; I also loved that she found solace and purpose within plants and medicine. Barbara was one of the most entertaining characters, with her scheming and backstabbing, she reminded me of the ultimate Mean Girl. In addition, the settings were all tremendously described. From the court of James I, with it's corruption and festivities to the bustling Naval yards to the rooms and grounds of the Tower itself, I felt immersed in the time. As a bonus, the book is authored by Elizabeth St. John, a descendant of the St. John family, and has taken extra care to write stories of her family.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )