Tea at Trianon: "A Royal Marriage Based on Love"

John Wilson Croker on Marie-Antoinette

"We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with– if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves– something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny– that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."

~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844

Edmund Burke on Marie-Antoinette

"It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the queen of France, then dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely there never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she had just begun to move in, glittering like a morning star full of life and splendor and joy. Oh, what a revolution....Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fall upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look which threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded...."

~Edmund Burke, October 1790

Friday, April 8, 2022

"A Royal Marriage Based on Love"

King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria

From Amy at Novels Alive:

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. (Read more.)

From Stephanie at 100 Pages a Day:

Henriette was the youngest daughter of King Henri IV of France and Marie de Medici. At 13, she caught the eye of Charles Stuart, Prince of Wales. At 15, Henriette is married to Charles and becomes Queen Henrietta Marie. While Charles and Henriette did find love for one another early on; their relationship is plagued with difficulties. Henriette has difficulty assimilating to England and learning the language. Henriette is Catholic and was promised in her marriage contract that she could continue to practice, but Charles is Anglican. Lastly, Charles' best friend, the Duke of Buckingham seems to be purposely causing Henriette trouble at every turn. With Buckingham leading a seemingly ill-fated war against her home country, Henriette's life seems to be ill-fated; however, Henriette is determined to persevere. (Read more.)

The Blog Tour ends today! Thanks to Amy Bruno who organized it! We'll be in touch with whoever won the Giveaway! Over a thousand people have entered!