Special Giveaway for THE QUEEN'S VOW Virtual Book Tour!

Today is the publication day for C.W. Gortner's new novel, THE QUEEN'S VOW: A NOVEL OF ISABELLA OF CASTILE, as well as the kick off day for his virtual book tour!  And in honor of this C.W. Gortner is sponsoring three fabulous giveaways here at Passages to the Past!

Readers will have a chance to win a copy of THE QUEEN'S VOW, or a beautiful painted Spanish fan or gorgeous embroidered purse!  To enter the giveaways, please follow the information at the bottom of this post.




You can also follow via Twitter at #QueensVowVirtualTour


About The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile

Publication Date:  June 12, 2012
Ballantine Books/Random House
400p

{SYNOPSIS}

No one believed she was destined for greatness—until she became one of history’s most powerful and controversial queens.

Young Isabella is barely a teenager when she is thrust into danger. Suspected of treason and held captive, she treads a perilous path, until, at age seventeen, she finds herself heiress of Castile, the largest kingdom in Spain. Plunged into a deadly conflict to secure her crown, she is determined to wed the one man whom she has vowed to love yet is forbidden to her—Fernando, prince of Aragón.

As together they unite their two realms under "one crown, one country, one faith," Isabella and Fernando face an impoverished Spain beset by enemies. With the future of her throne at stake, Isabella resists the zealous demands of the inquisitor, Torquemada, even as she is seduced by the dreams of an enigmatic navigator named Columbus. But when a violent, treacherous battle against an ancient adversary erupts, it will test Isabella’s resolve, her courage, and her tenacious belief in her destiny . . . .

From the glorious palaces of Segovia to the battlefields of Granada and intrigue-laden gardens of Seville, The Queen’s Vow sweeps us into the tumultuous forging of a nation and the complex, fascinating heart of the woman who overcame all odds to become Isabella of Castile. 



Praise for The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile

"Isabella is most often remembered as the queen who financed Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas, but in this vivid novel, Gortner reveals that she is much more than this. She is an inspiring young woman who bravely faced the turmoil that surrounded her and managed to hold on to her crown...Gortner has again produced a richly detailed book that is hard to put down." - Historical Novels Review 

"Gortner turns his attention to one of Europe’s most formidable queens, Isabella of Castile . . . Unique among most royal women of her age (her daughters included), Isabella makes her own choice of a husband, and also grapples with the issues that lead to the launching of the Spanish Inquisition . . . Gortner avoids romanticizing and sentimentalizing and presents a believable account of a woman determined to control her own fate and shape Spain into a great country." - Booklist

"Isabella of Castile, the intelligent and fiery Spanish queen best remembered today for funding the voyages of Christopher Columbus, begins this historical novel as a mere pawn in the decadent court of her weak older brother. . . Isabella's tenacity and ruthlessness allow her to seize the throne. After she is crowned, however, Isabella faces continued threats to the security of the realm . . . Gortner pays particular attention to the religious issues Isabella confronted, portraying her as a complex figure . . . Gortner's latest historical novel should have strong appeal for historical fiction fans." - Library Journal

Click HERE to download an excerpt.

About C.W. Gortner

C.W. Gortner is the author of The Last Queen, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici and The Tudor Secret.  He holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies from the New College of California.

In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard in a Tudor great hall and experienced life in a Spanish castle. His novels have garnered international praise and been translated into thirteen languages to date. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and environmental issues.

He's currently at work on his fourth novel for Ballantine Books, about the early years of Lucrezia Borgia, as well as the third novel in his Tudor series,The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles (US) or Elizabeth's Spymaster (UK).

Half-Spanish by birth, C.W. lives in Northern California. 
 
Giveaway Information

- To enter, please leave a comment below and include your email address (only comments with email addresses will be entered in the giveaway).
- Giveaway is open to US and Canada ONLY.
- +5 additional entries become a follower of Passages to the Past. If you are already a follower you will automatically receive the bonus entries. 
- +3 additional entries join the Passages to the Past FB Page.
- +3 additional entries follow me on Twitter.
- +1 additional entry each, please help spread the word by blogging, posting on sidebar, tweeting or posting this giveaway on Facebook or Google+.  You can use the SHARE buttons below.
- Giveaway ends on June 22nd.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

 
TheQueensVowTourButton2.1

42 comments:

  1. prnena626@yahoo.comJune 12, 2012 at 2:06 AM

    Sounds intriguing! Can't wait to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I follow by:
    +5 Email - PhoenixCarvelli(at)gmail(dot)com
    +3 FB - Phoenix Carvelli
    +3 Twitter - @RockerMom9294

    Thank you for a great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just discovered C. W. Gortner and love his books. Would love to win a copy of this one.

    I am a follower, both here and on facebook (as Margaret Cook)

    readingwithmargaret@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful choices. I'd love to win any of these, and am determined to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win. I'm a follower.

    nanze55 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have read Mr. Gortner's other novels and am anxious to read and learn about Isabella. Thanks for the giveaway.

    +5 Google follower

    lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. great book. Great contest>
    michyellowrose@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am a huge fan of Mr. Gortner. Thanks for a great giveaway! I am already a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I haven't read many novels about Isabella so I'm looking forward to this one.

    gfc - mamabunny13
    FB-mamabunny shelor
    twitter @mamabunny13
    tweet https://twitter.com/mamabunny13/status/212532526726651905

    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Isabella is a fascinating historical figure but one we know too little about.

    This sounds like a wonderful opportunity to get to know her better.

    +5 I am a follower of Passages to the Past by email: carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
    - +3 I am a member of the Passages to the Past FB Page: Carl Scott
    - +3 I do follow on Twitter: @carlrscott
    - +1 I tweeted a link to this blog post: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/212548114479976448

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is such an exciting release! Congratulations and thanks to C.W. Gortner! Also, thank you Passages to the Past for hosting! I'm thrilled for the chance to win!

    +5+3+3
    sidhekist at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. THank you so much for the giveaway! Those fans are beautiful!
    kohlert@mail.gvsu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  12. Since reading "Isabella" by Alison Weir, I found her to be an intelligent but not too "politcally correct" (at least in our more enlightened times). I also loved Mr. Gortner's "The Last Queen". Mr. Gortner may be a man but he is able to capture the soul of a woman.

    Please enter me in the giveaway. I am a long time follower of "Passages..." and will tweet and follow in a social media forms--if I haven't done so already.

    annfesATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  13. Queen Isabella must have been extradiorarily determined. When you think of th reasons that she could not be queen, she had the strength to conquer over them.

    +5 I am a longtime follower of Passages tot the Past

    +3 I have liked Passages to the Past FB page.

    +3 I follow your blog as Carolee888 on Twitter

    +1 I tweeted:
    Carol N Wong‏@Carolee888

    http://networkedblogs.com/yEMIM Enter this special giveaway to win " The Queen's Vow" or other wonderful prizes.

    +1 I posted ohttp://www.facebook.com/carol.n.wongn Facebook:

    +1 I posted on Google+
    https://plus.google.com/

    CarolNWong@aol.com


    +1


    +1

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am reading this book now and LOVING IT!!! The fans and purses are so gorgeous....I would want to re-read the book while holding the fan if I won it :). Thanks Amy and C.W. Gortner!
    +5. GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
    +3. Facebook member (Colleen Turner).
    +1. Shared on Google+.
    +1. Shared on Facebook.

    candc320@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I would love to read this book. It sounds very good. I am a follower and email subscriber. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congratulations to C.W., and thanks for this giveaway opportunity!
    I'm a follower & email subscriber, and will post and Tweet this offer. Many thanks,
    Jo Ann Butler
    www.rebelpuritan.com/

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am so excited to read this one. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my copy on my doorstep later today but I would love to be entered for a beautiful purse or fan.

    I follow by:
    +5 Email - tmrtini at gmail dot com
    +3 FB - Terry Low Martini
    +3 Twitter - @makeminemartini

    ReplyDelete
  18. I thought C.W. Gortner's Confessions of Catherine de Medici was so good and really surprising to have a sympathetic female character written by a man (wish there was more men around that could see our perspective!)

    I would love to win a copy.

    I am a GFC Follower
    ashley.l.mikowski@gmail.com

    I follow on Facebook - Ashley Cader

    ReplyDelete
  19. I would love to win a copy of this book! I've yet to read anything about Isabella of Castile, so I'm very interested to learn about her.

    I'm following your blog, and liked your page on facebook, I also shared the giveaway.



    kim_cree@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Please enter me in the draw, with multiple "points." (All of the below qualifiers.)

    Thanks so much for the opportunity.
    editornado (at) gmail.com

    - +5 additional entries follower of Passages to the Past.
    - +3 additional entries join the Passages to the Past FB Page.
    - +3 additional entries follow me on Twitter.
    - +1 additional entry each, posting this giveaway on Facebook or Google+. You can use the SHARE buttons below.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am a Google and FaceBook follower.

    lafra86 at gmail dot com

    So excited to read this!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love CW Gortner's writing and would really like to win The Queen's Vow.
    I am a follower on the web, facebook and by email.
    ecol904046@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've read everything C.W. Gortner has written, and I can't wait to reading about Queen Isabella in "Queen's Vow." I have such mixed feelings about Isabella, she was great and she was terrible, and look forward to learning more about her.

    I follow PTTP by email, twitter, and on FB

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'd love to read this. I follow Passages on Google and Facebook.

    carlyasilver@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am a HUGE fan of Mr. Gortner's! I would love to win the novel. I follow you via google reader and facebook.

    bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. What an absolutely beautiful cover for what sounds like a fabulous novel. I am so intrigued by books that depict the perilous days of that time period. The people at Court were always in such danger. I suppose that living at Court gave people better food, clothes, etc. but one has to wonder if it was worth it. Of course, some, like Isabella, had no choice. I’m looking forward to reading “The Queen’s Vow.” Thanks for sharing this today.

    +5 = Followers of PTTP
    +3 = Follow PTTP on FB

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love when historical fiction heads right off the beaten path! This is going on my TBR list. I haven't read his other books so I'll take a look at them.

    Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thank you for the chance to win this book. I am looking forward to reading it. griperang at embarqmail dot com

    +5 being a follower (griperang)
    +3 follows on facebook (Angela Holland)
    +3 follows on twitter (griperang)
    +1 blogged (http://griperangsbookmarks.blogspot.com)
    +1 Tweeted
    +1 facebooked
    +1 google +

    ReplyDelete
  29. I would love to win any of those choices and Im a follower!

    shoshanahinla(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oooh, yes please, do enter me! I am a follower of this blog.

    beth-martin(AT)live(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Being of Portuguese decent and Spain and Portugal's history being so intertwined I love to read about any Spanish queen. Oh I want this book!

    -+5 longtime follower
    -+3 member of fb group
    -+3 twitter follower
    -+1 shared on facebook
    -+1 shared on google+
    -1+ shared on twitter


    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a lovely giveaway. The fans and purse are gorgeous. I love embroidery of any kind. I am looking forward to reading Isabella of Castile. The cover is eye catching. Good luck with the book launch. Thank you for a chance.

    pamo321(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ohmygoodness! Those purses are GORGEOUS!! Please enter me :)

    martina_ck AT shaw DOT ca

    +5 For following PttP (FleurDeMar)
    +3 For Facebook page
    +3 For Twitter follow

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  34. This sounds lovely!

    +5 I'm a happy follower! (Brunette Librarian)

    brunettelibrarian AT gmAil . c0m
    The Brunette Librarian Blog

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am a huge historical fiction reader and am thrilled to find you!!! I am also a fan on FB and have shared about your page!!

    Thanks!!
    donna.mccabe@rocketmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity to get to know Queen Isabella.
    kathleenbianchi@ymail.com
    I am a follower on email
    i joined on facebook
    I follow on twitter, joekathbia
    I tweeted
    I shared on facebook
    14pt's

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a great giveaway! I'm a follower and I joined the FB page. Thanks!

    Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I would love a copy of this book! I'm following your blog, twitter account, and Facebook page already. My email is teralynpilgrim at yahoo dot com. Fingers crossed!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Man, I really need to read his books. I have The Last Queen on my shelf and really need to do a Gortner-a-thon. Hahaha. How beautiful are the fans and purses!

    +5 I am a follower of course!
    +3 I follow you on FB
    +3 I follow you on Twitter
    +1 I'm sharing via Twitter and FB

    Thanks Amy!

    Amanda
    libraryofmyown at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Awesome prizes, would love to win any of them!!! Thx 4 the chance.

    ctymice@gmail.com


    follower of Passages to the Past(Lori Thomas)

    joined the Passages to the Past FB Page(Tudor Rose)

    follow u on Twitter(CrftyDuchess)

    shared on Google+(https://plus.google.com/114074766130396757576/posts/9raieU6HADm)

    shared on fb(https://www.facebook.com/CrftyDuchess/posts/484368464912135)

    tweeted(https://twitter.com/CrftyDuchess/status/214229721507045376)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wonderful prizes! I would love to win any of them! =)

    readinginks (at)gmail (dot) com

    Follow by GFC - Melissa
    and I also follow
    with Twitter - @mblisa2

    Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  42. would love to win, review, and share with someone
    jrs362 at hotmail dot com
    Never read any by this author

    ReplyDelete

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