Jane Popyncourt has been in the king’s court since she was eight years old. She became friends with King Henry VII’s four children Arthur, Henry VIII, Margaret, and Mary in addition to being a tutor to them. Jane was really close, though, to Mary. When King Henry VII passed away and Henry VIII became king, things changed.

King Henry preferred to be addressed by “your majesty” vs. “your grace.” He married Catherine of Aragon and loved women. He had many different lovers, unlike his father King Henry VII, who was devoted to his wife Queen Elizabeth.

By the time Jane was in her twenties, she was already known throughout the king’s court. Jane had many men vying for her attention, including Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, and King Henry VIII to name a few.

Louis d’Orleans, Duc de Longueville, Marquis of Rothelin, Count of Dunois, and Lord of Beaugency was captured and became a prisoner of war in England. Jane became his mistress. Because Jane was the mistress of a French prisoner of war, people scorned her. Something happened, and Jane and Louis fell in love.

I did not know much about Jane Popyncourt. Jane was a delightful woman and a faithful friend to all, even when she was being looked down upon. I just absolutely loved Secrets of the Tudor Court: The Pleasure Palace. It is one of the best books I have read so far for 2009. As much as I love reading these types of books and think it would be great to travel back in time, I wouldn’t want to be a lady in waiting to the queen or anyone else. I enjoy my freedom and the right to make my own decisions. Kate Emerson enriched this story with lots of history. I found Ms. Emerson to have a graceful writing style. Secrets of the Tudor Court: The Pleasure Palace easily receives my rating of five angel recommend read.

Reviewed by: Cheryl