Spanish Bridegroom

AA fantastic blend of history and romance set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe - the story of Philip II of Spain and the Tudor Queen Mary. To restore the power of Spain and bring England back to the iron embrace of the Holy Church, the young Philip agrees to marry Mary Tudor. His golden hair and pale skin fill the middle-aged Queen with thoughts of hitherto forbidden pleasures. Yet Philip is merely playing the servant to his country...Set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe, the Spain of the dreaded Inquisition and the tortured England of Bloody Mary, this powerful novel traces the story of Philip II - and of the woman who came to know this cold-blooded monster only as a devoted husband and a sensual lover. Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation has become one of the country s most widely read novelists. Sunday Times Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting. Observer Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama. New York Times Outstanding Vanity Fair