Power Couples of the Tudor Era (Hardback)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Interesting and Informative, this was a nice history weekend read. The information was presented in an engaging and well thought out way.

NetGalley, Heather Bennett

This was such an insightful read! I have been obsessed with the Tudor Era most of my life but this book really gave me some insights that I didn't know and made me want to look into this era even more! I am definitely purchasing this book the day it's published!

NetGalley, Jennifer Rose

This book found me at exactly the right time as I started reading more about the Tudor era and, in my opinion, it was the best introduction I could ask for when it comes to some of the major figures and how they connect with one another.

The nine couples explored by the book are by no means the only influential couples from the era. Some weren't even long-term successful (I know, it's not a shocker when Henry VIII is on the list), while others may not have necessarily been romantically connected. But they all certainly left a mark, be it politically, religiously or culturally.

One of the things I especially appreciated is the author explored the couples from a holistic standpoint without shying away from their pitfalls. At the same time, the spotlight wasn't just on the more popular figure. The influences, accomplishments and the legacy of both figures are presented to the reader. Not only that, but the book does a great job debunking some of the common myths about some of the figures or the couple together.

Overall, as a newbie, I enjoyed this book and learned a ton! Whether you're curious about the couples, or you're being introduced to them like me, this is a valuable read.

NetGalley, Mona M

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is an absolute must read to all history buffs out there, especially those fascinated by the Tudor-era shenanigans. Absolutely recommend!

NetGalley, Yana Karnaukhov

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The political is personal, and Romero makes that very clear in this book, documenting the lives of couples, from the beginning to the end of the Tudor dynasty, and shows how their personal actions, both separately and together, had a profound impact on the age.

Some are well know, such as Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, and how well they used power together and separately to bring about the end of the Wars of the Roses and start the new age. While others have gotten less of the spotlight, such as Katherine Willoughby and her second husband Richard Bertie, but she shows how much of an impact they had on the Protestant Reformation.

Romero tries to take a fresh look at all evidence, such as when she argues that Philip of Spain had more of impact on England than once thought, showing how he worked to make the English Navy stronger, genuinely wanting to be active in his wife's reign, like a proto-Prince Albert.

Many of the couples had their hand in high level political machinations, such as Edward Seymour and Anne Stanhope working together to secure power over the boy king, or Bess of Hardwick and George Talbot hosting / imprisoning Mary Queen of Scotland.

And, of course, we have Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, the ultimate power couple, despite a lack of marriage. Romero points out that, besides the whole will-they-won't-they, they were incredibly busy together and apart creating the Elizabethan Golden Age.

An intimate look at the Tudor period in detail that also covers a lot of ground of the age as a whole.

NetGalley, Kara Race-Moore

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was a clever idea and a well-researched and fascinating book about Tudor power couples. I found Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon especially interesting because she is often portrayed as a dowdy religious fanatic. She loved fashion however, at least when she was young, and she and Henry shared a love of learning and theatrical pursuits. Famously, her administration defeated the Scottish while Henry was away fighting in France. Other well-known power couples include Robert Dudley and Elizabeth 1 and Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.

There are also lesser known ones, such as Katherine Willoughby and Richard Bertie, who went into exile during Mary Tudor’s reign, formed a Protestant group, and had a big influence on the Reformation. Elizabeth Hardwick and her husband guarded Mary, Queen of Scots, for several years, which didn’t do much for their marriage.

NetGalley, Lisa Sanderson

I really enjoyed ‘Power couples of the Tudor Era.’ While many of those mentioned in the book were known to me it was so interesting to read about them in the context of their relationships and how they worked together to have influence in the Tudor era. I was also introduced to several new names and it was so refreshing to learn about the wider court and courtiers of these times and not just the monarchs.
Jo Romero’s book is informative and interesting and I would recommend it to lovers of Tudor history.

NetGalley, Nicola Hall

This is a fascinating look at the Tudor Era. The author has obviously done a lot of research on the subject, if the huge footnotes section has anything to go by. I was most interested in the legend and villain Himself, Henry VIII and Katharine of Aragon. Henry's audacity knew no bounds than to ask his wife of 20 YEARS plus one child for an annulment. Lessor known couples are also featured.

NetGalley, Mindy Bartlett

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Power couples is the Tudor era? Yes please. What a great focus for a book and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Today’s news is all the ‘power couples’ of modern day, but the power couples of Tudor times paved the way for more than just drama and gossip, they could shape history!

The research the author put into this book was plain to see and made reading this book super enjoyable and easily immersible.

I absolutely love reading about this period of history and reading from a new angle and perspective is one I always welcome. And from the fresh vantage point of power relationships, from kings and queens, to advisors and more, I definitely felt I came away all the richer in learning about this. A fantastic read!

NetGalley, Nicola Wilton