Tucked away in the country estate of her beloved father, Lord Calverley, young Nell de Lacey feeds her hungry mind with philosophy, language, and studies of science. Her mother, once a devoted lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr, would rather her daughter stop dabbling in the grand affairs of men and instead prepare for her eventual duties as a wife. But Nell’s heart yearns for something more, and a chance meeting with Princess Elizabeth, then a prisoner of the Tower of London, pushes her closer toward finding it. Now, years later, Nell’s chance arrives when she is summoned to serve as a lady-in-waiting to the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth. But a lingering rumor about nine unaccounted-for months in the Virgin Queen’s past reignites when the flame-haired Nell–a mirror image of Her Majesty both physically and intellectually–arrives at court. Quickly she catches the eye not only of the cunning Elizabeth, but of those who would see the queen fail. Engrossing and enlightening, The Virgin Queen’s Daughter brings to life one of the greatest mysteries of one of the greatest monarchs.
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"One of the better Tudor historical/fiction novels I have read! It didn't get bogged down with all the name-dropping and historical facts that tend to cause a reader to lose interest, which is what happens in so many of these! Definitely going to get recommended to my Tudor Fan Fiction friends :)"
— Annie (4 out of 5 stars)
" There are several theories out there regarding the possibility of a royal bastard by Elizabeth and her step father. This book has brought all those conspiracies to life in an amazing and artful way!! It feels almost factual if you didn't know better.... or do we... "
— Michael, 1/29/2017" Predictable....ho hum. "
— Charlene, 2/7/2014" It was a good read...a different take from the other royalty historical fiction books I've read. I thought the ending would turn out differently...but I guess it goes with the mystery of whether Elizabeth I ever did have a daughter in secret. A good read all the same. "
— Ashley, 2/5/2014" The cover and title don't do this justice. Yes it was an easy read but for fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, I would highly recommend this to you. Nell de Lacey and all the connections she made in this book to other historical figures was fantastic. Loved it! "
— Abbey, 1/25/2014" This is more romance than historical. I wouldn't have finished it if I hadn't run out of books. "
— Jane, 1/18/2014" interesting, though doubtfully based on truth. well written, fast pace "
— Pia, 1/5/2014" I really enjoyed this book. yes, it's pretty far-fetched but a great story! "
— Kara, 12/8/2013" I thought this book was well-researched and well-written. I was intrigued until the end. "
— Shirley, 12/1/2013" A rather slow start to this book was made up for by the thrilling last quarter of the book. Not a great book, by any means, but if you are a Tudor-aholic like me, it is a fun read "
— Beth, 11/29/2013" Very good - the only thing that I didn't like was the portrayal of Elizabeth - she is such an inspirational and intrigueing person to me that it's hard to see her made so cold and mean (and kind of unlikeable!) "
— Tami, 11/22/2013" This book is without a doubt a cut above the rest of the standard Tudor fiction fare. If you're finding that Philippa Gregory and Allison Weir have grown a bit milktoast for your taste, see how this tickles your tastebuds. "
— The, 10/20/2013" I really enjoyed this book. It is considered historical fiction, but my guess is that it is mostly fiction, with historical characters, but it was a book I didn't want to put down. A very interesting story! "
— Lindsay, 10/13/2013" I really liked this book. It was kinda slow at first but then grabbed my attention. I coulnt put it down. A good read and love story. Puts a good twist on the queen Elizabeth if you think into it. "
— Brandy, 10/6/2013" A quick and enjoyable read, based on the supposition that Elizabeth I bore a child. "
— Janelle, 8/2/2013" I loved this books. 2 pages were very naughty but you can clearly see it coming and miss it. I love historical fiction! "
— Jennifer, 2/7/2013" Nice twist on Elizabeth I possibly having given birth.... "
— Rachel, 1/27/2013" I loved this book. But this kind of fiction is right up my alley. I love Elizabethan history and fictional history. I could not put this book down. It was very well written. "
— Heather, 12/28/2012" I found the first half a little hard to get through however the second half I hated to put down. The book is fiction however based on history. It was fun to see how much of this story she had been taught this year in AP European History. "
— Marlene, 10/29/2012" A woman at the top but yet men pulling major strings at court. "
— April, 10/1/2012" This tells the tale of Queen Elizabeth I and about a long ago rumor about her not actually being a virign queen. "
— Kirstin, 6/22/2012" What a great read, interesting twist on Elizabeth's life & the scoundrel Thomas Seymour. "
— Cookie, 1/20/2012" Great book, certainly puts a new perspective on Elizabeth I "
— Sherry, 11/26/2011" Just finished reading and it was a great read! "
— Nancy, 10/4/2011" I am a nut for Tudor history/fiction. Also, this was an objectively fun read. "
— Dana, 9/9/2011" I enjoyed this quick and relaxing read. Intrigue, romance and well written. I loved it. "
— Carola, 8/16/2011" good girl meets bad boy love story w/ a regal intrigue twist. Interesting & good entertainment. "
— Kerry, 5/18/2011" Really enjoyed this book! If you are interested at all in the Tudors and Henry VIII, add this book to your reading. A twist in the life of Elizabeth - Henry's daughter who reigned for over 30 years and never married. Great Read! "
— Mailelou, 5/16/2011" I liked the story and the writing but I hate when authors take a real person and event and spin it in a way that is not historically accurate. It disgraced Elizabeth, as a queen she deserved more respect than that. "
— Sandy, 5/9/2011" Ahhh...to have the romance in the 2nd half of this book would be what every little girl who plays princess would dream of. I really enjoyed this book! "
— Wynter, 1/26/2011" Just finished reading and it was a great read! "
— Nancy, 10/6/2010" Too much like a romance novel. "
— Alessia, 10/1/2010" A very enjoyable story read by my very favorite narrator, Rosalyn Landor. I don't know if I really liked it for the story or if it was for the narration or if it was simply because it kept me entertained during my work commute. Nevertheless, I think it's a four star rather than a three. "
— Janet, 9/29/2010" Such a brutal time period. Chase's book is captivating and realistic. Great book. "
— Tracy, 9/17/2010" A woman at the top but yet men pulling major strings at court. "
— April, 9/5/2010" Well put together. Excellent and eventful read. "
— Adeline, 7/5/2010Ella March Chase is the author of several works of historical fiction, including The Virgin Queen's Daughter and Three Maids for a Crown. She lives in Illinois.
Rosalyn Landor is an English-born television, theater, and multiple-award-winning audiobook narrator. Her television credits include Love in a Cold Climate, Rumpole of the Bailey, Sherlock Holmes, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. She has won numerous Audie awards and AudioFile magazine Earphones awards.