In honor of the new release, The Queen's Rival: In the Court of Henry VIII
, author Diane Haeger is here to talk about Bessie Blount and her son with King Henry VIII, Henry Fitzroy. I had the recent pleasure of reading Haeger's latest and found it unputdownable! Check back tomorrow for my review.
What must it be like to bear a child and then, caring for it, mothering that innocent little child at your hip for a full year, be forced to surrender him entirely one day to a different life—a bold fate, knowing that in so doing you might never see him again? That was the heart-wrenching decision forced upon Bess Blount, mother of the king’s only ever acknowledged natural son, Henry Fitzroy, by Henry VIII and his advisors, as he moved onto a new relationship, next with Mary Boleyn and ultimately her sister Anne.
As a mother myself, that was certainly one of the facts about Bess’s life that initially drew me in when I was searching for a new subject for my 12th novel, and third “In The Court of Henry VIII” series. For the pivotal role Bess and Fitzroy (made Duke of Richmond at age 7 by his father—the second most powerful title in England at the time), might well have played in all of English history--- as a torn Henry VIII considered legitimizing his son by marrying his mother instead of Anne Boleyn, and certainly adding him to the line of succession, I was surprised to find Bess a mere footnote in most history books. But she was really so much more, and the other aspects, as well as the many nuances, of Bess’s life captivated my heart as I wrote her story, and I’m afraid she still hasn’t quite let it go.
I think I shall be haunted by her for a good bit of time to come.
Peeling away the layers of Bess’s extraordinary life, The Queen’s Rival
, is on one level, a simple coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s glittering court, a world adorned by grand palaces, glittering jewels and lush banquets. In the beginning, Bess is a more simple young woman who is swept up by the powerful man at the very center of all that, a man who she knows she can never truly have, yet whom after a time she is powerless to resist. It is the story of the personal cost to Bess for that choice; ultimately the surrender of her own beloved child. On another—and I hope richer level, The Queen’s Rival
is the story of one woman’s journey of self-discovery, from despair to wisdom, to triumph and ultimately peace, with the help and the devotion of another man--- a true love, Gilbert Tailbois, there waiting in the wings all along for her to find him.
While Henry VIII obviously plays a large role in The Queen’s Rival
, as Katherine of Aragon does, it is far more Bess’s story, her life at court and away from it---the story of a mother’s love and sacrifice, and a woman’s changing heart for the things that she holds dear. Had circumstances been different, Henry Fitzroy might well have been King of England after his father, and perhaps… just perhaps, Bess Blount might have been queen… There was that moment with history tells us, even if it was just for a moment, that those were real considerations. Bess certainly retained the respect and friendship of Henry VIII for the rest of her life, for the ultimate gift she gave him, long after their love affair had come to an end. I loved reading past the simple historical footnote labeled, “Bessie Blount” in researching this book, and in becoming obsessed for a time with bringing her story to a new audience. I hope readers will find her as fascinating as I did and they will let me know what they think of her story at www.dianehaeger.com and on Facebook.
ABOUT THE BOOK
SYNOPSIS
From the author of The Queen's Mistake
comes the untold story of King Henry VIII's first well-known mistress.
As the beautiful daughter of courtiers, Elizabeth "Bessie" Blount is overjoyed when she secures a position as maid of honor to Katherine of Aragon. But when she captures the attention of the king himself, there are whispers that the queen ought to be worried for her throne.
When Bess gives birth to a healthy son the whispers become a roar. But soon the infamous Boleyn girls come to court and Henry's love for her begins to fade. Now, Bess must turn to her trusted friend, the illegitimate son of Cardinal Wolsey, to help her move beyond life as the queen's rival.
As the beautiful daughter of courtiers, Elizabeth "Bessie" Blount is overjoyed when she secures a position as maid of honor to Katherine of Aragon. But when she captures the attention of the king himself, there are whispers that the queen ought to be worried for her throne.
When Bess gives birth to a healthy son the whispers become a roar. But soon the infamous Boleyn girls come to court and Henry's love for her begins to fade. Now, Bess must turn to her trusted friend, the illegitimate son of Cardinal Wolsey, to help her move beyond life as the queen's rival.
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:
- To enter, please leave a comment below and include your email address.
- Giveaway is open to US ONLY.
- For +1 additional entry each, please help spread the word by blogging, posting on sidebar, tweeting or posting on Facebook. You can use the SHARE buttons below and please include the info in the comment section below.
- Giveaway ends on March 10th.GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

I have always been fascinated by Bessie Blount, and so glad someone has finally written a HF novel based on her. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletelcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd love to win this one!!
ReplyDeleteLIS859@gmail.com
What a phenomenal story. I knew that Henry Fitzroy was a favorite of his father, and that Henry VIII even considered placing the Duke in the lines of succession. I never knew Bessie was considered to be a replacement for KofA. How different Henry VIII's story would have been. A Family man? Who knows!
ReplyDeleteI sidebar-ed the giveaway. http://themusingsofabookjunkie.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
Allison
allisonmharper@hotmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteRachelhwallen@gmail.com
I adore her books!
ReplyDeletekimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com
I will post the giveaway on my twitter!
twitter.com/kdaze10
I had not heard of Bess or her son. History presents Henry VIII's quest for a son as one of the driving forces behind his numerous wives. I can't remember reading that he had a son in the wings he could have used as an heir. This sounds like an story of 3 special people in placed in difficult and unusual circumstances. It sounds like a special read.
ReplyDeletelibrarypat AT comcast DOT net
I shared this on Twitter at 10:41 AM on March 2 as pbbearclaw.
ReplyDeletelibrarypat AT comcast DOT net
Shared this on Facebook at 10:44 AM on March 2 as Patricia Barraclough.
ReplyDeletelibrarypat AT comcast DOT net
Oh wow...I can't wait to read this book especially after reading The Courtesan last year! I really hated the way the tv series, The Tudors treated the story of Bess Blount...especially when the killed off her son as a little boy...just shameful...lol Loved this guest post and can't wait to read your review as well Amy. Fondly, Roberta
ReplyDeleterlphilbr13@aol.com
Just shared the link on facebook and twitter ;)
ReplyDeleteRoberta
rlphilbr13@aol.com
I've added the giveaway link to my sidebar ;)
ReplyDeleteRoberta
rlphilbr13@aol.com
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com
This book sounds like a delightful read and I am so hoping to be selected to win a copy. I am so fascinated with this time period! Connie Fischer
ReplyDeleteconniecape@aol.com
Would love to check this one out!
ReplyDeleteclaire[dot]grothe[at]gmail[dot]com
Also shared on Twitter: http://twitter.com/c_grothe/status/42991873480077312
This is an author that I keep buying her books and then not actually reading them... I'm terrible! I have to try and read at least one book this year. :)
ReplyDeleteI love Diane's books! Please enter me in this fantastic giveaway! Thanks! :-)
ReplyDeleteAmy
tiger_fan_1997 AT yahoo DOT com
I cannot WAIT to read this book! It is right at the top of my Amazon wishlist!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
candc320@gmail.com
This is all so addicting. Another Tudor page turner! My wish list is getting so long.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted under my Twitter name of Carolee888
I also shared this contest on Facebook:
http://www.passagestothepast.com/2011/03/guest-post-by-diane-haeger-giveaway.html
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I want to get my hands on this one!!!
ReplyDeleteTwitted: https://twitter.com/bookaddictdiary/status/43082960550887424
I am a new follower of your FANTABULOUS blog and would love to be entered into the giveaway for this awesome book! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteMolly
Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com
I blogged about this giveaway here
ReplyDeleteMollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com
Facebooked!
ReplyDeleteMollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com
Tweeted!
ReplyDeleteMollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com
Added the link to my giveaway page here
ReplyDeleteMollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com
I have always been fascinated by Henry VIII and his wives, and now a rival comes into play!
ReplyDeleteWOW!
rbooth43 at yahoo dot com
Great giveaway!!!
ReplyDeletehnwhitlock2000 at gmail dot com
I tweeted - http://twitter.com/#!/thehiddenbiblio/status/43115994465579008
ReplyDeletePosted to FB - Heather P. S. Whitlock
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLove & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net
Thank you for including me. =)
ReplyDeletetiredwkids at live dot com
I love Diane Haeger's books - I haven't read anything about Bess Blount yet - looks great!
ReplyDeleterlawrence110 at yahoo dot com
I tweeted
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/rlawrence110/status/43161958962298880
rlawrence110 at yahoo dot com
This is a really interesting guest post, and The Queen's Rival sounds really good. Thanks for doing this giveaway Amy!
ReplyDeleteJessica M.
jmartinez0415 [at] gmail [dot] com
I also tweeted about your post:
http://twitter.com/#!/crazylilcuban/status/43191093822627840
This book sounds facinating, thanks for the chance to win it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the words form the author.
sbrockis (@) embarqmail (.) com
I haven't heard of this story before, but I love the intrigue of the Tudor family.
ReplyDeleteAnn
cozyintexas@yahoo.com
I am a follower and email subscriber. I would love to read this book. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an excellent story. I love anything having to do with Henry VIII.
ReplyDeletemmwessell(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win this one!!
ReplyDeletevalleau(at)suddenlink(dot)net
I absolutely love this period of time in history and try to read all I can about it. The synopsis of the novel seems to show an innocent yet eager young woman wanting to go to court. Once she gets there and what she experiences are "carrots" that make me hungry to read the book!
ReplyDeleteconniecape@aol.com
Hm ... this one looks like it will be interesting - though totally sad - seems like everything in King Henry's Court ends up sad :(
ReplyDeleteThough ... getting to the end will be great! Thanks!
apereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com
Sounds fascinating! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI shared on:
twitter
facebook
google buzz
It's on my sidebar at
brokenteepee.com
pricillaspeaks.blogspot.com
thanks!
kaiminani at gmail dot com
It sounds really interesting. I would love to read it!
ReplyDeleteK_Nugent_27@yahoo.com
I have yet to read any books with Bess in them and I haven't had the chance yet to read any of Haeger. I'm looking forward to this one - it has been awhile since I visited the court of Henry VIII.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me. I shared on Google Buzz and Tweeted.
dolleygurl[at]hotmail[dot]com
I have read ALL Ms Haegers prior books and she is a scholar and author. Her research is impeccable in detail and she weaves her facts in the story like an artist paints. I am panting to read this. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteannfesATyahooDOTcom
I do not know much of anything about Bess nor her son. The book sounds really interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteashley.l.mikowski@bu.edu
I would love to receive this giveaway. Am an avid reader of Henry VIII. Thank you for the opportunity. Pat. patbpotts1@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteso hard to keep track of Henry's women! love the topic of this book!
ReplyDeleteplindlau@hotmail.com
You do seem to find the most amazing books! Please enter me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Jules
onebookshy at yahoo dot com
This looks very interesting! Putting it on my "to read" list! thanks!
ReplyDeleteaprlannbloom@yahoo.com
I can't wait to read this book about "Bessie" Blount! I'm keeping my fingers crossed to win this one for sure. Thanks!
ReplyDeletemamabunny13 at gmail dot com
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/44504553122570240
ReplyDeletemamabunny13 at gmail dot com
Rena McGrath
ReplyDeleteI have long been fascinated with Bessie Blount and her relationship with Henry VIII. She gave him his first son and therefore held a special place in his heart. Please count me in this great giveaway. I'm a long time follower of this blog and shared about the book on my facebook page.
rena.mcgrath@yahoo.com
I have always been fascinated with the life and times of Henry VIII and would so love to read this book. I'm hoping to be very lucky and win a copy!
ReplyDeleteThis is just up my alley! I'd love a chance to win! Beautiful cover image too! Thanks
ReplyDeletehensnest at windstream dot net
I love this cover. I am intrigued about Bessie and her son. Can't wait to read her story. It's on my TRL.
ReplyDeletePlease count me in.
Carol L
Lucky470@aol.com
I have read the Ruby Ring another story about a woman, Margherita Luti, who gave her so-called honor for love. Ms. Haeger specializes in these characters as with Maria Fitzherbert, too, I lave her stuff, please enter me.
ReplyDeleteannfesATyahooDOTcom
I tweeted this @SoftFuzzySweatr
ReplyDeleteThis book looks fascinating & I'd love to read it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance~
megalon22 at yahoo dot com
I know of "Bessie" Blount and would love to read a tale from her POV!
ReplyDeleteadrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds fascinating! I'd love to read this one!
ReplyDeletebingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com
So many wonderful books you read and review...I'm so envious! I'd like a chance at this giveaway, and thank you for the entry.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day,
Sandee61
Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com
Please enter me. I am a follower.
ReplyDeleteLaura
laura.leahj@gmail dot com
I have always been interested in reading more about Bessie Blount, great give-away!
ReplyDeleteHemingway.was.here@gmail.com
There's something just so fascinating about the women of Henry VIII's. Please count me in. Thanks
ReplyDeletetweeted ~http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/45685490883624960
gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com
ahh, more intrique in the court of Henry VIII! Love it. Sounds like a really engrossing book.
ReplyDeleteWhitby1734 at aol dot com