Gillian Bagwell

Copy received from the publishers as part of Librarything's August Early Reviewer batch.

This was an enjoyable and easy read, introducing us to a 10 year old Nell Gwynn, just as she is starting out in the local brothel and gives a view of her progressing through society until she becomes one of King Charles II's mistresses.

This is Nell's story, so there is little court intrigue beyond jockeying for position with the other mistresses (and the Queen), and the right of succession when the matter of Charles' health comes under threat. As a mistress not living in the palace she (and therefore we) often hear things second hand, and that is dealt with fine - I've read enough historical/Royal fiction recently to be a little jaded of all the backstabbing and manipulation found in some other in-palace stories.

Especially later, the story can jump months at a time, which is not a bad thing, as the story moves along at an appropriate pace. At near 400 pages, it's good not to be bogged down with unnecessary prose over unhelpful or uninteresting plot lines.


Some of the story (especially in the first half, before she comes mistress) is .... not for the young or the too easily offended. Nell worked for several years in a particular line of business, which had to be represented, and Gillian has written this well, especially for a debut novel (no "wooden spoon for bad sex scenes" eh?)… (altro)

2.5 Stars

A book purported to be about Bess of Hardwick, I looked forward to exploring the life of such an important figure in female history during the Elizabethan age. From what I've gleaned from Wikipedia and other research sources, I knew her to come from rough beginning to rise as one of the wealthiest women of her era, ancestress of throne claimants. However, what I got from this book was the history of the Tudors through the eyes of an onlooker. NOT what I wanted from this title…

I will say the author does a great job with historical details and scene setting. I got a clear mental picture of the glamour inherent to Tudor courts. The sumptuous fabrics of court costumes and the splendor of palaces and castles were easily visualized. This part of the book was experienced rather than just read.

The bits actually about Bess were intriguing. The author started out well, giving us a family situation hovering on the brink of poverty and debtors prison. Bess is lucky enough to find connections that launch her into court life where she finds opportunities to better herself and help her family. Throughout the book, Bess shows some intelligence and ability in being able to balance the dangers of intrigue and power-shifts as Henry the Eighth's family and courtiers vie for the throne. She protects and provides for her family, husband, and children as best she can in an ever shifting world.

However, I felt the author spent so little time on Beth herself that this book shouldn't be touted as a work on her. More time was spent talking about the history of the Tudor family, the various events in the different reigns of that dynasty. Little was shown on how those events impacted Beth and her family; it seemed like I was presented with a timeline of the various Tudor reigns rather than a book on Bess of Hardwick.

Despite having shown some intelligence, Beth’s characterization overall is of a doormat. She's too perfect. She's the perfect wife, perfect mother, perfect friend, and perfect subject. She's ever loyal and ever true. At least seeing her beginning with some aspects of her intelligence showcased saved her character in this book.

And then the author makes the added insult in neglecting to include the most dramatic and interesting part of Bess' life, that of her last marriage and her involvement with the jailing of Mary Queen of Scots. Of all her marriages, this one probably was the rockiest and most problematic. I think the including of this part of the story of her life would have helped elevate my doormat image of her. I think the author missed a golden opportunity by excluding this part of her life. It would have lifted the book from mediocrity into a truly enjoyable historical fiction, on a woman that stood out in history.

From the author notes, the author makes it clear that she wanted to concentrate on Beth early life. So the exclusion of that last part of her life, I suppose I can understand. However, this book still stands out only for how bland it is. Concentrating more on individuals that have had volumes and volumes written about them, I think the author missed the boat when it came to the opportunity on portraying a historical woman that could stand to have more exploration done on her herself. What little I got only made me thirst for more, but what I got to round out those wonderful glimpses was a doormat of a woman who is too perfect to be real. If you're looking for a light read and not expecting much, maybe give this book a look. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to look for a copy.… (altro)

This was a very interesting and delving read. I love history, and I love history about English monarchs, it's always so smutty and dramatic. I had never read anything yet about this Nell or Charles the II, that I remember at least, and I was very intrigued to keep reading. Nell seemed to step into the world of the King and court at a time when things were changing. I loved seeing all the players in this book and the addition to women actors as the book progressed. I really loved the dynamic and interaction of the characters to the surrounding world.

I love Nell, she is strong, and she does what she needs to do to survive, and I always respect that in a women. Charles, however, is rather despicable, but he is the King and I guess he gets to do what he wants, as it usually is. I enjoyed this book and I recommend any history lovers out there pick it up. Also recommend if you want a nice, enjoyable, historically smutty, read.… (altro)