The Queens Gamble (Thornleigh 4)

For any fan of historical fiction and the England in the 's needs to have this book on their to be read stack, or on their shelf Sep 23, Andrea Wall rated it it was amazing Shelves: This fourth book in the Thornleigh series was as good as the others. I really enjoyed it, without a doubt. I think what I really loved about this book is no character is perfect. And, this is mostly true for Queen Elizabeth. She's mean and holds Isabel's child and she's a bit mean and what not. I like ti because I've found that in some HF books the monarch is made to always be the "good guy.

Like she would have been. I'm excited for the next.

Castles, Customs, and Kings

Unfortunately, the This fourth book in the Thornleigh series was as good as the others. Unfortunately, the whole thing between Mary and Elizabeth will be featured. While I find this period interesting I've read one too many books about this part of Elizabeth's reign. Still, I'm excited, no doubt about it. After reading this book, I'm more interested in Mary de Guise. I know a lot about her daughter and almost nothing about her!

Anyone know any great Historical Fiction books on her?? Or, is there a lovely HF author out there who would write one for me???? Sep 17, Marianne Stehr rated it really liked it. This book started out very slow to me, it took about pages for me really to "get into it. I was really pulling for the characters even though they were doing things so "out of character" for what appeared to be their personalities. I enjoyed the book, found the ending to be a bit unbelievable for the times and found the best part of the book to be the "meat" the middle pages.

I read this as a stand alone book, howev This book started out very slow to me, it took about pages for me really to "get into it. I read this as a stand alone book, however there are two books before it. Oct 17, Svea rated it it was amazing Shelves: The Queen's Gamble is an engrossing novel that captures its readers from the first page.

The intensity starts on a high and continues throughout the novel like a rolling wave; just enough time to catch your breath before the next shocking moment occurs Read the full review on my blog: Jul 01, Libbet rated it liked it Shelves: I'll be honest, I skimmed about the last 3rd of this because it was so predictable that I just wanted to be sure what I thought would happen, did. The pacing was off and the writing was nothing special. Mar 16, Timea Curtis rated it really liked it. This was My first time reading Barbara Kyle's book!

I like the way Barbara writes it was a bit slower read for me then Philippa Gregory books but I loved reding it! History, Romance, passion and fascinating court drama! I will deffenetly check out her other books as well! A really enjoyable read.

After initial reservations regarding the plausibility of certain plot elements I got caught up in the suspenseful events of the story. Finished it therefore very quickly as I simply couldn't stop reading, eventually reading far into the night to get to the end. Sep 30, Lisa rated it really liked it Shelves: It took me quite awhile to get through it, but it was worth the wait. I look forward to going back and reading the rest of Barbara Kyle's novels! Aug 09, Janessa rated it it was amazing. Oh my goodness, I couldn't put it down! Power, passion and intrigue!

Mar 29, Becky rated it really liked it Shelves: Clearly leading toward a fifth book, but a good historical fiction series focused around the Protestant reformation in England during the Tudor reign. Sep 30, Noran Miss Pumkin marked it as to-read Shelves: Give away book received from Goodreads first read give-away. Mar 20, Virginia rated it it was amazing. Feb 09, Merle Carr rated it it was ok.

Not as good as Phillipa Gregory's books. Sep 18, Kelsey rated it it was amazing Shelves: Oct 26, Marina rated it liked it Shelves: I did enjoy this instalment of the Thornleigh series more than the previous ones. I have the same complaint for this book as the previous ones tho, that the family is always split up on different sides, in different disasters and yet everyone makes it through unscathed.

I wish there was a little more realism then that, I understand the series would be difficult t I did enjoy this instalment of the Thornleigh series more than the previous ones. I wish there was a little more realism then that, I understand the series would be difficult to finish if all of the characters died but the constant danger-escape scenarios are getting repetitive and old.

Jun 20, IrishFan rated it liked it. This one, like the first 2, was slow for me until around halfway through, then it got more interesting. I got very confused at the beginning trying to keep straight which country was allies with who, and I kept forgetting. Once it got where Isabel was with Frances at her brother's house, I finally got more engaged with the story. I just got the next 2 books from the library, am looking forward to see how their story ends. This story takes place in England at the time of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Elizabeth takes Nicolas hostage in return for Isabel's loyalty while smuggling money to the Scottish rebels, so they can fight the French, who want to take over Scotland and then invade England to put Mary on the throne. This is a tangled web of deceit, brutality, conspiracy , intrigue and drama.

Apr 23, Book Bee rated it it was ok. I was so annoyed by the character Isabel Thornleigh. Her constant seeking out danger became redundant at some point. I skipped a lot of pages because it felt like "same old, same old.

Dec 10, Jennifer rated it really liked it. I loved both characters and found the pair to be a brilliant match for each other. I then read "The Queen's Captive" about Isabel's mother Honor and although I enjoyed it I did find myself wondering what Isabel and Carlos were up to and wishing they would join the story. In this novel they are back in the midst of the adventure once more. Barbara Kyle's novels are unique in how they weave many known events from history into a fictional storyline that makes for one heck of an absorbing read.

Her novels are not for those who either want their historical fiction factually driven or not at all, yet for those of us who don't mind reading a little bit of creative fabrication set in a period of history that we love then these novels are great. Isabel and Carlos have returned from Peru to find a divided England under the threat of a French invasion. Isabel places no major emphasis on religion herself, however as the wife of a Spaniard who lives in a Spanish land she is presumed Catholic and therefore the Protestant majority of London rebuke her for it.

• The Queen's Gamble (Thornleigh, book 4) by Barbara Kyle.
• CUHK Series:Génération Perdue (Vol.1) (Chinese Edition).
• Buy for others!
• Customers who bought this item also bought.
• Editorial Reviews?
• Audio Editions.
• Introduction to Tribal Legal Studies!

What makes it especially hard for Isabel is that her parents are among this Protestant number. In her sister-in-law Frances however, she finds an unexpected ally. Aside from the religious battle going on in England, the French are posed at the Scottish border threatening to invade England and depose the 'heretic' Queen Elizabeth from her throne. Isabel's mother is close to the Queen and therefore Isabel finds herself drawn into the Queen's circle and into a situation she would rather not be in Carlos on the other hand is doing what he believes is in the best interest of his family by aiding the Spanish ambassador, whose sovereign King Philip of Spain is on the side of the French.

This therefore puts Isabel and Carlos on opposing sides of a potential war. The suspense that Ms Kyle built throughout this novel was excellent and I found myself staying up late to finish the story because I just had to know what happened next. Overall, I feel as though the novel ended well and everything was summed up nicely. However and there will be no spoilers here there is one thing that Carlos did that Isabel does not know that I just cannot shake from my mind.

Although I have not yet read the next in the Thornleigh series "Blood Between Queens" I have read that it does not include Carlos and Isabel and therefore their story must be done. I am therefore a little disappointed with the ending of their story as I'm a reader who likes closure, especially when it comes to characters that I have formed such an attachment to.

Nonetheless, I did enjoy this novel and will be reading the next in the series. I love reading novels that take historical people, places and events to create fictional stories. Kyle did a good job with her writing as well as weaving overtones from religion and politics to showcase everyone's side. As an Irish Catholic I was able to equally enjoy the portrayals of the struggling Catholics as well as the Protestant stories. This book is part of a series so make sure you read them in order. Preferi a cunhada Frances. Apr 30, Dominique Akpore rated it it was amazing. I must say that I very much enjoyed this book.

See a Problem?

The way Kyle weaves fiction with historical fact makes you not want to put this book down to the very end. You really want to hate Queen Elizabeth in that moment when she takes Nicholas as a hostage to insure Isabel's loyalty. Isabel and Carols' relationship takes a few interesting turns that at almost every point, you end up cheering for one and upset with the other. This is one of the few books that portrays Queen Elizabeth not as the savior and t I must say that I very much enjoyed this book.

This is one of the few books that portrays Queen Elizabeth not as the savior and the virgin queen, but as a young woman who has been given the reigns to the country and not yet prepared for the responsibilities that come with it. You still see a bit of the selfish nature in her that we were introduced to in The Queen's Captive but to a much bigger extent now that she is Queen. Great book for both the casual and historical reader alike!

Dec 26, Jama rated it liked it Shelves: It was really slow to start off. I would consider this the worst of the Thornleigh books so far.

1. Get A Copy?
2. Choppers to die for;
3. Paperback Editions!
4. Staatliche Kulturförderung in Deutschland (German Edition)!
5. Best Sellers.
6. Turtles: Fun Facts and Photos for Kids (Mindys Bookworms Nonfiction Book 1).

I feel flutters in my stomach all the time, and I'm not pregnant. Then again, she was right and I may be wrong I've loved getting to see Honor and Richard evolve over the years. Hello Readers, I'm delighted to share with you the release of my latest book, "Page-Turner: Here's a little background about me. Before becoming an author, I enjoyed a twenty-year acting career in Hello Readers, I'm delighted to share with you the release of my latest book, "Page-Turner: Before becoming an author, I enjoyed a twenty-year acting career in film and TV, and in stage productions across North America.

I loved being an actor. It was the first in what became the Thornleigh Saga series of seven books. The Queen's Lady 2. The King's Daughter 3. The Queen's Captive 4. The Queen's Gamble 5. Blood Between Queens 6. The Queen's Exiles 7. As a story coach and mentor, I have launched many writers on the path toward published success. For information about my workshops, master classes, manuscript evaluations, and webinars please visit my website: Warm regards, Barbara Kyle P.

Follow me on Twitter BKyleAuthor Other books in the series. Books by Barbara Kyle. Isabel is married to Carlos Valverde, a former Spanish mercenary turned Peruvian grandee. He wants nothing more than to have a position confirmed in Peru, so that he, Isabel, and their young son can live a good life in the New World.

They have travelled back to England after years to see Isabel's parents. Carlos is ordered to travel to Scotland to serve de Guise and her allied forces. Isabel meanwhile must undertake a mission for Elizabeth. The conflicts, personal and political, get upped and upped, and even the heroes find themselves forced to commit to things and to do things that are less than admirable. The characters are well written, the political, religious, and personal conflicts weave in and out of the story, with empathetic understanding given to all sides.

One can cheer equally for Elizabeth and the Protestants, as well as for the Catholics who struggle to hold on to their fervent devotion. This is possible because the story centers on Isabel and Carlos, and their own struggles to make the best political and personal choices. Read this and then wait for the next one. While waiting, read the earlier books and see the story from the beginning. Barbara Kyle has thrilled us in her previous historical novels as we have grown to love Richard and Honor Thornleigh. But now we start a new chapter in the lives of the Thornleigh family.

They are worried about Richard and Honor and afraid for their safety. But upon their arrival they discover that the family is doing very well because of the change in England. Bloody Mary is no longer queen, instead Elizabeth has taken the throne. With that England has replaced Catholicism with Protestantism. Things have changed completely and the Thornleighs are being honored by the new Queen. They find themselves a bit at odds with mom and dad. But the bigger story is that the French are trying to quel Scottish rebels who are attempting to throw out Catholicism in favor of Protestantism.

Reformer John Knox is leading the rebellion. The French have sent a large number of troops to put down the rebellion. The English fear that once they accomplish that they will invade England and overthrow Queen Elizabeth. Richard, Honor and their son Adam are committed to helping Elizabeth and England.

They are attempting to get Spain to commit to backing England and are asking Carlos and Isabel to help them. Carlos is loyal to King Phillip, but doesn't have a problem asking him to back England. Unfortunately Spain doesn't want to back England but want to help the French. They press Carlos into giving advice to the French troops, and Honor is pressed into service by England to help John Knox. So the family is put at odds.

How will things turn out? How will Carlos and Isabel do their task without causing friction between the two and the rest of the family. And while this is going on Adam and the British navy are trying to keep the French from landing more troops. The Thornleign family and now the Valverdes families are caught up in the history of Queen Elizabeth and will play a major role in whether she succeeds or not. Barbara does a wonderful job of introducing and developing new characters.

She brings history to life and gives us a story that is riveting. Even though you know the history of this conflict you are still drawn into the story wanting to know how the Thornleighs and Valverdes will fare. This is another wonderful story by Kyle. It will leave you wanting more. Thank you for Barbara for another great novel. See all 19 reviews.

Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers. Learn more about Amazon Giveaway. The Queen's Gamble Thornleigh Book 4. Set up a giveaway. What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?



• A Manual of Epistemic Sex Or How to Write a Maxim.
• Learning from Mystery Literature Unit Study.
• Souq | The Queen's Gamble (Thornleigh Saga) | Kuwait?

Customers who viewed this item also viewed. There's a problem loading this menu right now. Learn more about Amazon Prime. Get fast, free shipping with Amazon Prime. Get to Know Us. English Choose a language for shopping. Explore the Home Gift Guide. Not Enabled Word Wise: Not Enabled Screen Reader: Enabled Amazon Best Sellers Rank: Amazon Music Stream millions of songs.

Amazon Advertising Find, attract, and engage customers. Amazon Drive Cloud storage from Amazon. Alexa Actionable Analytics for the Web. AmazonGlobal Ship Orders Internationally. Amazon Inspire Digital Educational Resources. Amazon Rapids Fun stories for kids on the go. Amazon Restaurants Food delivery from local restaurants.