That is where he met Jane and the two started a dangerous liaison. In 1513 after the Battle of the Spurs, Louis I d’Orléans, duc de Longueville was captured and taken a prisoner, even though he was technically under lock and key, he was allowed to roam free and act as an ambassador to the court. She was appointed as a maid of honour to Katherine of Aragon, and later rumoured to have been one of Henry VIII’s many mistresses. Her adult life was spent in the company of royalty, being that of all rank, so her standard of living was a comfortable one. What I found out about the real Jane Popyncourtįrom what I can gather, there are several spellings of her name, the one above and Poppincourt, both of which are the same lady. Emerson had me reading to the very end, I will most definitely carry on with this series and see whom she brings to life next. The time span of this book is quite far-reaching and survives through the reign of two kings, it is a tale of tragedy and loss, love and disappointment.

Without spoiling too much, I can say that it starts with Jane in France, living with her mother, until the French king dies and she is whisked off to England to be a companion to King Henry VII’s children. I am not a historian, so cannot attest to what I have read in this book correct, but what I do know, is that this lady actually existed, however, little is known about the real Jane Popyncourt, but I think Emerson has brought her to life with aplomb. With some Historical Fiction, there is fact, but there is also ‘poetic licence’ the author brings, it is defiantly a craft that this author weaves, a good imagination and some well-informed research, always brings the character alive and stops them being flat. This is the first book I have read from this author and certainly it will not be the last.

Have always had a fascination with Anne Boleyn and single mother to a fantastic daughter whom happens to champion Katherine of Aragon! Tweet me emmabuzzybee, visit me at My name is Julie Wright, I am a book blogger and Tudor History enthuiast.

The pleasure palace by kate emerson