THE TAPESTRY is here!
Welcome to the world of Joanna Stafford, heroine of THE CROWN, THE CHALICE, and THE TAPESTRY. The award-winning series takes place in Tudor England, with Joanna, a Dominican novice, struggling to survive the turbulent reign of King Henry VIII.
The trilogy made its debut in 2012 when THE CROWN earned rave reviews and went to No. 1 on Amazon.com. Oprah magazine said, "Bilyeau deftly weaves extensive historical detail throughout, but the real draw of this suspenseful novel is its juicy blend of lust, murder, conspiracy and betrayal."
In 2013 appeared THE CHALICE, revolving around a prophecy-fueled conspiracy against Henry VIII. Parade magazine said "English history buffs and mystery fans alike will revel in this richly detailed sequel." The book won Best Historical Mystery of 2013 from RT Reviewers.
On March 24, 2015, the final book in the historical trilogy appeared. In THE TAPESTRY, Joanna is drawn into the court of the king, becoming closer than ever to her friend Catherine Howard, tangling with Thomas Cromwell and the Duke of Norfolk—and trying to stay one step ahead of a plot against her own life.
Nun or wife, spy or subject, rebel or courtier, Joanna Stafford must finally choose her fate...
“Illuminated by Bilyeau’s vivid prose, minor players of Tudor England emerge from the shadows.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Nancy Bilyeau's passion for history infuses her books and transports us back to the dangerous world of Tudor England. Vivid characters and gripping plots are at the heart of this wonderful trilogy, and this third book will not fail to thrill readers. Warmly recommended!”
—Alison Weir, author of The Marriage Game
“In THE TAPESTRY, Nancy Bilyeau brilliantly captures both the white-hot religious passions and the brutal politics of Tudor England. It is a rare book that does both so well.”
—Sam Thomas, author of The Midwife’s Tale
“In spite of murderous plots, volatile kings, and a divided heart, Joanna Stafford manages to stay true to her noble character. Fans of Ken Follett will devour Nancy Bilyeau’s novel of political treachery and courageous love, set amid the endlessly fascinating Tudor landscape.”
—Erika Robuck, author of Hemingway’s Girl
“These aren't your mother's nuns! Nancy Bilyeau has done it again, giving us a compelling and wonderfully realized portrait of Tudor life in all its complexity and wonder. A nun, a tapestry, a page-turning tale of suspense: this is historical mystery at its finest.”
—Bruce Holsinger, author of A Burnable Book and The Invention of Fire
“A supremely deft, clever and pacy entertainment. This is Nancy Bilyeau's most thrilling—and enlightening—novel in the Joanna Stafford series yet.”
—Andrew Pyper, author of The Demonologist and The Damned
“A master of atmosphere, Nancy Bilyeau imbues her novel with a sense of dread and oppression lurking behind the royal glamour; in her descriptions and characterizations... Bilyeau breathes life into history.”
—Laura Andersen, author of The Boleyn King
To learn more about how magazine editor Nancy Bilyeau wrote and researched her novels, including traveling to Dartford, England, to find the remains of the actual priory the Catholic nuns lived in, go here.
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Follow Nancy on Twitter to find out news on her books and tidbits on history @tudorscribe
Watch this book trailer, which was the most viewed on Bookriot.com:
© Nancy Bilyeau.