Mary of Carisbrooke: The Girl Who Would Not Betray Her King

By Margaret Campbell Barnes

Book Overview

"Margaret Campbell Barnes has been one of the most reliable of England's historical novelists."

--Chicago Tribune

A Girl, A King, and the castle that changed them both Forever...

Charles I, king of England, thought that Carisbrooke Castle would be safe, an Isle of Wight refuge far from the madding crowd of Cromwell. But Charles ran straight into the arms of betrayal, his retreat morphing to prison and his allies few and far between.

Mary, a quiet servant girl in awe of her king and country, vaults into intrigue and danger as she helps to plot the king's escape.

A moving story of royal hopes and misfortunes, Mary of Carisbrooke is at its heart the tale of a charming girl who is as romantic and alluring as she is smart and bold. Loyal to herself and to the Crown, Mary's brush with history reveals just how quickly fate can shift the paths of power.

Praise for Margaret Campbell Barnes

"Barnes vividly depicts Anne's hopes and fears in an age where royal marriages were brokered like a cattle fair, and beheading could befall even a Queen."

--Publishers Weekly on Brief Gaudy Hour

"Rich in detail and flows beautifully, letting readers escape into Anne's court and country life. It is a must read for those who love exploring the dynamic relationships of Henry VIII and his wives."

--Historical Novels Review on My Lady of Cleves

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402255950
• ISBN13: 9781402255953
• Release Date: April 2011
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

THE END OF THE LINE FOR KING CHARLES I OF ENGLAND...

This is a well-written work of historical fiction that is woven around Mary Floyd, a young woman who really lived during the Cromwellian civil war in England in which an embattled King Charles I, the last absolute monarch of England, fought Oliver Cromwell for control of England and for his crown. Mary Floyd lived in Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, where her father, Silas Floyd, was sergeant of the garrison of soldiers stationed at the castle, and his sister and Mary's aunt, Drucilla Wheeler, was its housekeeper. Mary's life was to change considerably when the much beleaguered King Charles I sought succor and refuge at Carisbrooke Castle. Fleeing from his enemies, the Roundheads, as Oliver Cromwell's followers were known, King Charles I hoped that from the relative safety of the castle, he might be able to bargain with Cromwell. Moreover, the islanders were, for the most part, fiercely loyal to the King. Unfortunately, at Carisbrooke Castle the King would ultimately find betrayal. Still, Mary would prove to be a most loyal servant of the King, smuggling letters to and from the King, at great danger to herself. This is Mary's story, and it is through her eyes that the reader sees the historical events of the time unfold. Cast amidst political intrigues and danger surrounding the last absolute monarch of England, her beautifully crafted story is one that should capture the imagination of all those with an interest in the Stuart dynasty. Rich in period detail and replete with the historical personages that would leave their mark for generations to come, this is a vibrant and well-told story.

THE END OF THE LINE FOR KING CHARLES I OF ENGLAND....

This is a well-written work of historical fiction that is woven around Mary Floyd, a young woman who really lived during the Cromwellian civil war in England in which an embattled King Charles I, the last absolute monarch of England, fought Oliver Cromwell for control of England and for his crown. Mary Floyd lived in Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, where her father, Silas Floyd, was sergeant of the garrison of soldiers stationed at the castle, and his sister and Mary's aunt, Drucilla Wheeler, was its housekeeper. Mary's life was to change considerably when the much beleaguered King Charles I sought succor and refuge at Carisbrooke Castle. Fleeing from his enemies, the Roundheads, as Oliver Cromwell's followers were known, King Charles I hoped that from the relative safety of the castle, he might be able to bargain with Cromwell. Moreover, the islanders were, for the most part, fiercely loyal to the King. Unfortunately, at Carisbrooke Castle the King would ultimately find betrayal. Still, Mary would prove to be a most loyal servant of the King, smuggling letters to and from the King, at great danger to herself. This is Mary's story, and it is through her eyes that the reader sees the historical events of the time unfold. Cast amidst political intrigues and danger surrounding the last absolute monarch of England, her beautifully crafted story is one that should capture the imagination of all those with an interest in the Stuart dynasty. Rich in period detail and replete with the historical personages that would leave their mark for generations to come, this is a vibrant and well-told story.