Book Review: "The Forgotten Queen" by DL Bogdan

Margaret Tudor, the oldest daughter of King Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York does not often get the notoriety that her siblings receive in history and historical fiction. Arthur was the eldest sickly heir who married and died at an early age, Mary was the beautiful youngest who defied her brother and married where she pleased. Then there was Henry, the notorious King of England with his marriages and famous temper. What about Margaret though? She was the oldest daughter and a Queen of Scotland. She birthed a future King of Scotland. Who was she? What was she like? What was her relationship with her family like? What was it like to be the Queen of Scotland? In "The Forgotten Queen" by DL Bogdan, the world of Margaret Tudor is explored beyond being the sister of King Henry VIII. This is her story.

"The Forgotten Queen" is seen through the eyes of Margaret Tudor. Growing up in a happy family with loving parents and siblings, Margaret is the spoiled, saucy, and fiery oldest daughter of King Henry VII who expects much from his red-haired lass. At a young age, Margaret is married to King James IV of Scotland in the hopes of securing an alliance between England and Scotland. Before leaving her beloved England for Scotland, Margaret endures much loss including the loss of her beloved older brother Arthur and her beautiful and kind mother Elizabeth of York. Arriving in Scotland with feelings of loss and loneliness, Margaret falls in love with her handsome and loving husband, King James despite his love for having many mistresses. Margaret finds some happiness in Scotland with James and gives birth to a son, but conflict and war between England and Scotland bring Margaret's happiness and marriage to an end. Margaret loses her husband and enters a world of disappointment and more loss. Two more husbands, the loss of children, a distant relationship with her daughter, the deaths of two true friends, and a cool relationship with her brother leave Margaret heartbroken and weary. Despite her losses and heartache, Margaret endures as she protects the rights of her son, the new King of Scotland and protects her adopted country. Margaret was truly born to be a queen.

"The Forgotten Queen" is a wonderful look at the child of King Henry VII that does not often get her due. As strong and passionate as her brother, King Henry VIII, Margaret is a true heroine. She loves, loses, is loyal to those in her life, makes bad decisions, is strong, is selfish, and is a joy to read about. She's a well-rounded and wonderfully written character. Bogdan really captures the essence of Margaret. Bogdan does a fantastic job of making readers identify with Margaret. Readers will root for Margaret, be annoyed with some of the things she does, and ultimately just long for her to find love and happiness.

Bogdan pays such attention to history and really presents an accurate, fascinating, and well-written portrayal of this time period. Her portrayals of other characters specifically the men are also strong. There is the handsome, but foolish King James; the alluring, but selfish Earl of Angus; the larger-than-life King Henry VIII; and the fair and noble Duke of Albany, characters that really compliment Margaret well.

This is a wonderful and much-needed novel. It's great to finally read about the older sister of King Henry VIII who endured so much in her lifetime. Whether it was the loss of a child, divorce, or frustration towards her brother, Margaret reacted with strength and vitality. It's always wonderful to read about a strong, complex, and fascinating woman!

"The Forgotten Queen" will be available in bookstores and online on January 29th.

To purchase "The Forgotten Queen": http://www.amazon.com/The-Forgotten-Queen-D-L-Bogdan/dp/0758271387

For more information on DL Bogdan: http://www.dlbogdan.com/