Historical Fiction

Shakespeare's Mistress

A delicious and intriguing historical novel about the woman who was William Shakespeare's secret wife...

One of the most exquisite novels I have read in a very long time

a highly readable book for anyone who enjoys Tudor history

So vivid and authentic - a totally satisfying recreation of one of the great Shakespeare mysteries.  I couldn't put it down

Rosalind Miles, author of I, Elizabeth and Guinevere

Harper...knows her period well, and it shows...often in sure handling of the details of politics, theatre, and daily life, including some harrowing passages featuring childbirth and the plague

The novels chief pleasures derive from the easy interaction of Shakespeare's work, the history of Elizabethan England and the life that the author imagines Shakespeare might have had

Elizabethan history has never been this appealing

In a wonderful, lively, insightful and heartbreaking love story, Harper allows Shakespeare's secret wife, Anne Whateley, to narrate her colorful, lusty story.  With her sharp eye for detail and dialogue, Harper delivers a tale that resounds with the colour and atmosphere of life in the theatre, London and the intrigues that ran rampant in England

Karen Harper is a New York Times bestselling author whose novels, both historical and contemporary, have been published worldwide. 
 
A former teacher of English literature at both college and high-school level, she has had a life long interest in Tudor history.

England, 1601. 
When Queen Elizabeth's men come looking for William Shakespeare - a rumoured Catholic in a time of Catholic-Protestant intrigue and insurrection - they first question a beautiful, dark-haired woman who seems to know the famous playwright very well. Too well. 
 
She is Anne Whateley, born in Temple Grafton, a small town just up the river from Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. And as church records show - were anyone to look for them - Anne Whateley was wed to William Shakespeare in a small country church just days before he married another woman, Anne Hathaway, who has lived as his wife for decades. 
 
In SHAKESPEARE'S MISTRESS, Anne Whateley - who may or may not be Will's true wife - tells her story. Stretching almost fifty years, from the rural villages of Warwickshire to the bustling city of London, with its teeming streets and lively theatres, it's a story of undying passion, for life, love, and literature.

The Queen's Governess

A brilliant, intriguing historical novel set in Queen Elizabeth I's court and told from the unique perspective of her most trusted adviser...Kat Ashley

Harper's diligent research, realistic portrayal, and insider/outsider heroine will hook those who can't get enough of England's turbulent history...bestseller Harper maintains her focus on the roles of women - both powerful and powerless - in Tudor England, resulting in another enjoyable proto-feminist historical romp

A walk side by side with one of history's most dynamic characters

Well paced and full of pitch-perfect detail, Harper's novel brings new life to an old subject and, as good as the best of Philippa Gregory, is sure to be a big hit with historical fiction fans and book clubs

All in all, a lively and historically grounded reimagining of two Tudor survivors

Taking a fresh view of Elizabeth I through the eyes of her confident governess, Harper delivers a strong story. Her keen sense of the role remarkable women played in history allows readers a fantastic view in this carefully researched, meticulously crafted book

Karen Harper's gripping and well-researched historical novel shines new light on a relatively obscure but highly influential player in the great Tudor saga

Karen Harper is a former English teacher who taught literature and composition at Ohio State University, as well as at high school level. She has had a life-long interest in both the literature and the history of the Elizabethan period. As part of her classes she encouraged her students to put on an Elizabethan Festival each year which included performing Shakespeare, learning court dances, jousting, and always culminating in a (mock) beheading.

'I could not fathom they were going to kill the queen. Nor could I bear to witness Anne Boleyn's beheading...' 
 
As a favour to a doomed queen, Kat Ashley agrees to become governess and confidante to the young Elizabeth Tudor. Together they suffer bitter exile, assassination attempts, and imprisonment, barely escaping with their reputations and their lives intact. But when Elizabeth is eventually crowned, Kat continues to serve her, faithfully guarding all of the queen's secrets, even the one that could bring down the monarchy...

Karen Harper

With impeccable research and just enough romance . . . bestseller Harper illuminates a part of Tudor history often ignored.  Harper writes with effortless prose and an expert take on the era.

London, 1501. Henry VII’s heir is dead... 
 
Elizabeth, his queen, fears foul play, but who can she trust with her suspicions that their son has been murdered? 
 
In her darkest hour she turns to Varina Wescott, a lowly candle maker and widow. Despite the difference in their stations they share a bond. Both women know the sorrow of losing a child. 
 
Varina is tasked with discovering all she can about the Prince’s death. Aided by the handsome and ambitious Nicholas Sutton, Varina’s mission will be a difficult one, as both Henry and Elizabeth have enemies determined to bring down the Tudor dynasty...

Karen Harper

Praise for The Queen's Confidante

With impeccable research and just enough romance . . . bestseller Harper illuminates a part of Tudor history often ignored. Harper writes with effortless prose and an expert take on the era.

Books by Karen Harper

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