This captivating novel in New York Times bestselling author Alison Weir's Six Tudor Queens series presents "an illuminating and engaging portrait" (Historical Novels Review) of Katherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII's first wife. "Weir dazzlingly brings Katherine of Aragon to life. She emerges as a charismatic, indomitable, and courageous heroine whose story never fails to enthrall."--Tracy Borman, author of Thomas Cromwell Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived A princess of Spain and the youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage--and Arthur, Prince of Wales, heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII. She must wait for his coming-of-age, an ordeal that tests her resolve, casts doubt on her trusted confidantes, and turns her into a virtual prisoner.
Katherine's patience is rewarded when she becomes Queen of England. The affection between Katherine and Henry is genuine, but forces beyond her control threaten to rend her marriage, and indeed the nation, apart. Henry has fallen under the spell of Katherine's maid of honor, Anne Boleyn. Now Katherine must be prepared to fight, to the end if God wills it, for her faith, her legitimacy, and her heart.