The King’s Painter by bestselling historian Alison Weir is an e-short and companion piece to the captivating fourth novel in the Six Tudor Queens series, Anna of Kleve: Queen of Secrets. Top 5 read in @heatworld: "The first of six brilliantly rich novels charting the real lives of Henry VIII's wives." (Heat)

Alison Weir transforms Henry VIII’s much-maligned fourth wife into a woman of passion, courage and mystery’ Tracy Borman Read my article for BBC History Extra: 'The Lost Heirs of Henry VIII: Alison Weir on Katherine of Aragon's failed pregnancies' http://www.historyextra.com/article/feature/lost-heirs-henry-viii-alison-weir-katherine-aragon%E2%80%99s-failed-pregnancies Read my interview with author Katherine Clements for the Historical Writers' Association online magazine, Historia at http://www.historiamag.com/historia-interviews-alison-weir/ and sign up to win their competition here http://www.historiamag.com/sign-up-to-win/ This ambitious, engrossing novel tells Katherine’s story through her controversial marriage to Prince Arthur and then to his brother, the handsome, gallant Henry VIII. Katherine’s enduring devotion to her husband dominates Weir’s fascinating account of a marriage so often overshadowed in fiction – and reality – by Anne Boleyn. The portraits of Henry VII and Henry VIII are vividly painted, as is the Tudor court through these, its most glorious years." (Sunday Express Magazine: the most riveting new historical fiction)There were concerns as to whether Arthur should tax his strength by consummating the marriage, very real concerns, as Katherine`s only brother, the Infante Juan, had died young as a result (it was thought) of over-indulgence in the nuptial bed. Arthur`s health was known to be precarious. Nevertheless, the young couple were ceremonially put to bed together on their wedding night. What happened between the sheets was, years later, to become a matter of great debate, but it was assumed at the time that the marriage had been consummated. Listen to my interview with Donna Freed for Radio Gorgeous here: https://audioboom.com/boos/4580395-alison-weir-katherine-of-aragon-the-true-queen-six-tudor-queens-author-of-the-week-with-donna-freed Acclaimed, bestselling historian Alison Weir draws on new evidence to conjure a startling image of Anna as you’ve never seen her before. A charming, spirited woman, she was loved by all who knew her – and even, ultimately, by the King who rejected her. The heir to the throne, Henry’s affections for Katherine are initially quite true and strong. And Katherine’s fondness for her king knows no measure. But then politics, tradition, and religion eventually come into the mix, threatening the foundation Katherine and Henry had built.

Katharine Parr deserves better than to be known just as Henry VIII’s sixth wife – the one who survived. And there’s no-one better placed than Alison Weir to restore her to her rightful place’ SARAH GRISTWOOD Katherine of Aragon is meticulously researched. This faithfulness to the history is the novel’s great strength." (The Times) Katherine of Aragon' offers a lusciously sympathetic portrait of a spurned royal... a nuanced portrayal of Katharine of Aragon and those who surrounded her... Opulent... Weir's novel is, refreshingly, entirely free of cardboard­ cutout monsters. In fact, Weir is uniformly excellent at conveying the chaotic emotional give­ and­ take of the relationship. It is downright impressive how gripping Weir makes even the bleak final years. It's a story shot through with an ugly mixture of venality and hypocrisy, a dark passage through which Katherine carried herself with a nobility she clearly intended to speak well to posterity. Alison Weir's novel captures that nobility better than any biography ever has, and maybe in the end that nobility is a kind of mystery too." (Christian Science Monitor)Six weeks from home across treacherous seas, everything is different: the language, the food, the weather. And for her there is no comfort in any of it. At sixteen years old, Catalina is alone among strangers.

Six Tudor Queens: Writing a New Story is an introduction to the Six Tudor Queens series by eminent historian Alison Weir. The lives of Henry VIII’s queens make for dramatic stories that will offer insights into the real lives of the six wives based on extensive research and new theories that will captivate fans of Philippa Gregory and readers who lost their hearts (but not their heads) to the majestic world of Wolf Hall.But rumours of Anna’s past are rife at court – dangerous talk that could mark her downfall. Can this clever, spirited young woman reach out in friendship to the King, and gain his love forever? King Henry VIII spends the Six Tudor Queens series determined to steer his kingdom clear of further strife. And he believes that a male heir will permit him to do just that. In fact, even though Anne Boleyn’s beauty ultimately stole Henry’s love away from his first wife, it was Katherine’s inability to give him a male heir that first fractured their relationship.

The novel provides a fascinating glimpse into the personal life of Queen Katherine behind the intricate and vicious political intrigues of the Tudor court. She is revealed to be a strong, intelligent woman who struggles to protect the future of her daughter, as well as her own right to maintain her religious faith. Meticulous research, combined with Alison Weir’s empathy for her subject, makes this an illuminating and engaging portrait of ‘the true queen.’ Often portrayed as a dour and downtrodden woman, Katherine of Aragon is revealed to be astute and resolute enough to survive into old age. This is an enjoyable and enlightening read, and I look forward to the next one in the series." (Historical Novel Society) So events that were covered in Book One are also covered in Book Two but from the perspective of Anne Boleyn. Book Three also does this. Jane Seymour, who eventually replaces Anne as Queen, sees her story chronicled from her childhood all the way to her ascension to the throne. In all the romancing, has anyone wondered what Anne Boleyn felt about being pursued by Henry VIII? Or that Prince Arthur, Katherine of Aragon’s first husband, cared so little for her that he willed his personal effects to his sister? Or that Henry VIII, an over-protected child and teenager, was prudish when it came to sex? That Jane Seymour, sometimes portrayed as the wife Henry loved best, was no milksop wench but had the makings of a matriarch?” Henry VIII and his six wives must have spawned more books, films and TV shows than just about anyone else in history. It’s hard to imagine there’s much new to say, but popular historian Alison Weir finds a way, as she usually does, with extensive and thorough research and meticulous detail. She presents Katherine’s story deeply grounded in England of the time — its everyday customs, morals and religious outlook. For fans of the Tudors or historical fiction, this is a compelling read many will find hard to put down. I found it fascinating." (The Herald Sun, Melbourne; Daily Telegraph; Weekend Post; Courier Mail)

I was to be chief mourner – I, for whom Queen Jane had done more than anyone. She could never have filled the shoes of my dear, sainted mother – no one could – but she had done her very best to restore me to my rightful place in my father’s affections, and for that I shall always be grateful. But then the people she trusted turned on her and King Henry VIII gave his heart to another. Once admired and feared, Katherine is now a virtual prisoner. This e-short, published in March 2017, bridges the first two novels in the Six Tudor Queens series, Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. It's a mysterious tale, drawn together from fragments of history - and a good dose of speculation. Or is it...?