• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Peeking Between the Pages

Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

  • HOME
  • ARCHIVES
  • PAST READS
  • REVIEW POLICY
  • ABOUT ME
  • CONTACT ME

Guest Post with C.W. Gortner, author of The Tudor Secret & Giveaway

February 25, 2011 by Darlene


I’m really pleased to welcome C.W. Gortner to Peeking Between the Pages today. I reviewed his newest novel The Tudor Secret yesterday (my review) and I really enjoyed it. The Tudor Secret is historical fiction that anyone can enjoy, not just those die hard fans of the genre. C.W. Gortner joins us today with a guest post entitled… Elizabeth and Robert: A Dangerous Liaison…

Elizabeth Tudor, better known to history as Queen Elizabeth I, was unexpected. Her parents, the glamorous Anne Boleyn and formidable Henry VIII, were convinced that the child Anne carried was a long-awaited son. Yet the boy Henry had so yearned for and torn his realm apart to obtain turned out to be a girl, born with what seemed to be a curse writ into her fate. Within three years, Henry would behead her mother and re-marry four times; she’d gain a younger brother, Edward, in addition to her older sister Mary; face a daunting fight for her life that would test her to her core; and would, if the legend is true, fall impossibly in love with one man— Robert Dudley.

In one of the few portraits we have of Elizabeth in her youth, we see a brittle red-haired princess with spidery fingers—so reminiscent of her mother’s—clad in an ornamental red dress against a curtained backdrop. She stares enigmatically at us, secrets lurking in her dark eyes. Keenly intelligent, arguably as alluring as Anne ever was, this portrait was painted shortly before troubled adolescence catapulted Elizabeth into an ultimately lethal flirtation with Thomas Seymour. It must have been an unforgettable lesson for the impressionable princess of the dangers inherent in her nascent sexuality. Certainly, if she’d harbored any doubts before, nurtured on whispered stories of her mother’s horrifying end, the execution of Seymour proved to Elizabeth that in her world, sex certainly could equal death.

Many believe, however, that when it came to Robert Dudley, this trauma was superseded by inescapable desire. Elizabeth and Robert are inextricably linked, two halves of a fractured whole. They cut their teeth in one of the most treacherous courts in history, witnessing early on the consequences of unbridled ambition or passion. If ever there were two people who should have known better, it was they. Yet their own dangerous liaison lasted a lifetime, epic in its unattainable promise and darkened by rumors of murder and betrayal. Elizabeth knew the price those who courted her could pay; and Robert was the favored son of a family stained by treason. Still, they gravitated to each other like stars on an unstoppable collision course. What drew these two powerful personalities together?

In The Tudor Secret, we meet Elizabeth in her nineteenth year. Four years have passed since the execution of Seymour and she’s a seasoned veteran of the court, wary and fully aware of the perils lurking behind every tapestry. Propelled by concern for her brother King Edward, she’s come unannounced to London to discover why he’s disappeared from the public eye. Robert Dudley’s father, Northumberland, holds sway over the realm and plots to further his iron grip. And Robert, though already wed, burns to achieve what he believes is his right: the heart of a princess. It is a quest that will pit Elizabeth against a tenacious foe and give smoldering birth to a catastrophic love affair that will define her life and haunt the man who yearns to possess her— proving that Elizabeth and Robert remain as fascinating today as they must have been all those hundreds of years ago.

Thank you so much for spending this time with me. To learn more about me and my books, as well as access special features, please visit me at: http://www.cwgortner.com. Happy reading!

C.W. Gortner is the author of the acclaimed historical novels The Last Queen and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici. He holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis on 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. He is also a dedicated advocate for animal rights and environmental issues. Half-Spanish by birth, he divides his time between Northern California and Antigua, Guatemala.

The Tudor Secret is the first book in Gortner’s The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles series.

You can visit the author online at www.cwgortner.com or his blog at http://historicalboys.blogspot.com/.
__________

Thanks for this terrific post C.W.! I always love hearing about Tudor history! I really can’t wait for the next installment in the Spymaster Chronicles!
__________

Check out the book trailer!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner to share with my readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
  • For 2 entries follow my blog. If you already do, thank you and please let me know in your comment so I can pass on the additional entry to you.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Good luck everyone!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Share this post!
Share

Filed Under: Guest Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beachreader says

    February 25, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    This book sounds great.
    Thank you for the give away,
    jgoffice(at)cox(dot)net
    I also follow

  2. holdenj says

    February 25, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    I enjoyed the both the review and Gortner's words today. Thanks for the chance to win this fascinating book.
    I am a GFC follower!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  3. Cheryl says

    February 25, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    Not entering, just stopping by to thank you for hosting Christopher during his virtual book tour. I hope your readers take a moment to check out this book. It's also available in a Kindle edition.

    Thanks again.

    All my best,

    Cheryl

  4. Michele says

    February 25, 2011 at 1:30 pm

    Thanks for the review – I can't wait to read this (I love the Tudor period)
    I'm a old GFC follower! Michele
    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/rlawrence110/status/41126550111911936
    rlawrence110 at yahoo dot com

  5. Bethie says

    February 25, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win this.
    I follow on GFC

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  6. traveler says

    February 25, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    Thanks for this great giveaway and wonderful review. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

  7. Linda says

    February 25, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    I read and loved Mr. Gortner's novel The Last Queen, and I'm anxious to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

    extry entry – Google follower

    lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

  8. Allison Macias says

    February 25, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    I am super excited for this book!
    I follow you!
    Thank you!
    Allison
    allisonmharper@hotmail.com

  9. Zibilee says

    February 25, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    What an interesting guest post! I love the way she makes history come alive, even in her informal interviews and would love the chance to read this book. Please enter me in your giveaway! I also must say that you hold some of the best giveaways on the web. Thanks Dar!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  10. Anonymous says

    February 25, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    I love to read books like this..
    Please enter me in your great book give-a-way.
    RJB
    loki304(at)tds(dot)net

  11. Janel says

    February 25, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    I love Elizabeth's tale! Talk about dangerous affairs!

    jgbeads(at)gmail(dot)com

  12. Janel says

    February 25, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    I am a Follower. 🙂

    jgbeads(at)gmail(dot)com

  13. PoCoKat says

    February 25, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Would love to win this book!

    littleone AT shaw DoT ca

  14. PoCoKat says

    February 25, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    I follow on GFC

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

  15. Colleen Turner says

    February 25, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    Oh my, historical fiction is my all time favorite genre, and Tudor history is my favorite subject…this is perfect for me! I am sure I will be reading this one anyways, but winning a copy would be great :).
    Thanks,
    candc320@gmail.com

  16. Colleen Turner says

    February 25, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
    candc320@gmail.com

  17. petite says

    February 25, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    I would enjoy this historical novel. thanks. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

  18. Chantal says

    February 25, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    That looks like an awesome novel. Plus, I write historical fiction!!

    I also follow your blog. 🙂

    CMShelstad at gmail dot com

  19. Carol N Wong says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    I would love to read the 'Tudor Secret'. Mr. Gortner is such a great writer and this period and place in history is so full of intrigue. Love to learn all the details!!!

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  20. Carol N Wong says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    I follow you with Google Friend Connect, Twitter, an e-mail subscription, Networked Blogs and Facebook!

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  21. Carol N Wong says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    I tweeted: https://peekingbetweenthepages.com/2011/02/guest-post-with-cw-gortner-author-of.html

    Carolee888 is my Twitter name

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  22. bermudaonion says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    It seems you have to be a historian to write historical fiction.

  23. mamabunny13 says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    I love to read everything I can find on the Tudor's. Please enter me.
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  24. mamabunny13 says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    I follow you via gfc
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  25. mamabunny13 says

    February 25, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    tweet @mamabunny13 http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/41202281101795328
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  26. Tribute Books Mama says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    I am a follower

    thanks, for the giveaway.

    tributebooksmama at gmail dot com

  27. Blodeuedd says

    February 25, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    Great post 🙂 It does sound fascinating

  28. estrella05azul says

    February 25, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    Love all C.W. Gortner's books that I've read so far!
    Oh my, I was so excited about the guest post in the first place and there's a giveaway also 🙂 Thank you! Count me in.

    I'm an older follower.
    (And you know my email 🙂 )

  29. justpeachy36 says

    February 25, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    Please enter me in the giveaway. I am a GFC follower.

    justpeachy36@yahoo.com

  30. Sandra K321 says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    I would love to read this story. I love historical fiction.
    seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

  31. Sandra K321 says

    February 25, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    I follow your blog with Google Friend Connect.
    seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

  32. Rebecca Rasmussen says

    February 25, 2011 at 11:51 pm

    What a great guest post! Since I just won a contest here, I am going to bow out, but I will be buying this book!

  33. Charleydog says

    February 26, 2011 at 1:06 am

    Don't you love those stories based on historic events?

    pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

  34. Brenda says

    February 26, 2011 at 3:17 am

    I would absolutely love to read this book. I love everything about the Tudors!

    Dancealert at aol dot com

  35. Brenda says

    February 26, 2011 at 3:18 am

    I follow with GFC Reader

    dancealert at aol dot com

  36. Brenda says

    February 26, 2011 at 3:20 am

    I posted to my blog:
    http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/02/peeking-between-pages-giving-away-tudor.html

    DanceAlertReads.blogspot.com

    dancealert at aol dot com

  37. Ladytink_534 says

    February 27, 2011 at 1:08 am

    I'm an OLD follower

    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

  38. Jenny Girl says

    February 27, 2011 at 1:36 am

    Yes please!
    I am a "back in the day" follower.

    jenngirl73[at]gmail[dot]com

  39. C.W. Gortner says

    February 27, 2011 at 2:37 am

    Thank you for hosting me and best of luck to all with the giveaway!

  40. ChristyJan says

    February 27, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    I would love to win a copy ~ sounds like a great read!

    + I'm a follower

    hawkes (at) citlink.net

  41. Carol M says

    February 27, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    I'd love to read this. It sounds good!

    I follow on GFC.

    tweet
    http://twitter.com/CarolAnnM/status/41980253698129920

    mittens0831 at aol dot com

  42. shanaelyse says

    February 27, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    This sounds intense and saucy!

    I'm a GFC follower!

    shanaelyse@gmail.com

  43. maria says

    February 28, 2011 at 12:40 am

    Count me in!

    billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com

  44. naida says

    February 28, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    wow, Great guest post! Tudor history fascinates me, please enter me thanks 🙂 The Tudor Secret sounds very good, I enjoyed your review also Dar.
    naidascrochetATyahoo.com

  45. Susan says

    February 28, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    I would like to read this book.

    susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

  46. Susan says

    February 28, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    1. I've been following you for awhile now on gfc.

    susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

  47. Susan says

    February 28, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    2. I've been following you for awhile now on gfc.

    susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

  48. Anita Yancey says

    March 5, 2011 at 1:02 am

    Sounds like a very interesting book. I would love a chance to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  49. Anita Yancey says

    March 5, 2011 at 1:03 am

    Already follow on GFC #1.

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  50. Anita Yancey says

    March 5, 2011 at 1:04 am

    Already follow on GFC #2.

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  51. MarionG says

    March 7, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    Yes this story sounds gggrrreat. I'd love to read it. Historical fiction is a passion.
    polo-puppy-fluffy at hotmail dot com

    +2 I follow on GFC as MarionG
    And a big Happy Anniversary

  52. SusanB says

    March 8, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    I love historical fiction – especially about the Tudors. Would love to win this book!
    susan.byerly@comcast.net

    +2 Follow via GFC

  53. Mishel (P.S. I Love Books) says

    March 8, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    I'd love to give this book a shot. Thanks for the giveaway Darlene =)

    +2 I'm a GFC follower

    mishtakes AT gmail DOT com

  54. a real librarian says

    March 9, 2011 at 1:53 am

    I'd love to read this!! Thanks for the chance!

    areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

    I also follow!!

  55. Laura says

    March 9, 2011 at 2:22 am

    I am a follower. Fantastic author and I don't have this one yet.
    Laura
    laura.leahj@gmail dot com

  56. Atypical Girl says

    March 9, 2011 at 5:23 am

    I don't think I entered this giveaway, but I know my mom would really love this book!

    Amy // artsyrockerchick at aim dot com

  57. Atypical Girl says

    March 9, 2011 at 5:24 am

    +2 I'm a follower!!!

    Amy // artsyrockerchick at aim dot com

  58. Melissa says

    March 9, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

    shhhimreading at hotmail dot com

  59. vvb32 reads says

    March 9, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    ooo, that trailer makes this even more appealing! count me in please.
    vvb32 at yahoo.com

  60. Andrea says

    March 10, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    Loved the trailer.

    roarseto@yahoo.ca

  61. Rachel C says

    March 11, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    Thanks for the chance 🙂
    rach62803 at yahoo dot com

  62. Chèli says

    March 12, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    I can never get enough Elizabeth Tudor!
    Please enter me.

    cyderryATyahooDOTcom
    Chèli
    Cheli's Shelves

  63. Chèli says

    March 12, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    I am a follower
    cyderryATyahooDOTcom
    Chèli
    Cheli's Shelves

  64. Chèli says

    March 12, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    Posted on my blog sidebar

    cyderryATyahooDOTcom
    Chèli
    Cheli's Shelves

  65. AEKZ2 says

    March 14, 2011 at 6:01 am

    I've had my eye on this book for a while.

    annettekz2@yahoo.com

  66. AEKZ2 says

    March 14, 2011 at 6:01 am

    Google follower

    annettekz2@yahoo.com

  67. melissasmeanderings says

    March 14, 2011 at 7:08 pm

    What a great giveaway…and I am a follower.

    mk261274 (at)gmail (dot) com

  68. melissasmeanderings says

    March 14, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    +1 mk261274 at gmail dot com

    +1 I follow your blog
    +1 I posted to my giveaway links page

    http://melissasmeanderings.wordpress.com/book-contestsgiveaways/

  69. Marilyn says

    March 15, 2011 at 3:49 am

    I would love to read this Book. Elizabeth was one of the strongest characters of her age. Please enter me…
    Marilyn
    ewatvess@yahoo.com

  70. BUSY BEE says

    March 17, 2011 at 2:07 am

    Would love to win this book. Sounds like a great read!!

    bsyb100 at gmail dot com

  71. bsyb says

    March 17, 2011 at 2:08 am

    I am a follower of your blog

    bsyb100 at gmail dot com

  72. Stacie says

    March 18, 2011 at 4:05 am

    Awesome giveaway!

    +1 scouts579@aol.com
    +2 New follower on GFC.
    +3 Followed & tweeted on twitter 🙂
    http://twitter.com/#!/StacieBromley/status/48595202931294208

  73. LAMusing says

    March 18, 2011 at 4:49 am

    I'd love to read this – Elizabeth and I share a birthday 🙂
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

  74. LAMusing says

    March 18, 2011 at 4:50 am

    I follow you on GFC!
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

  75. Norma says

    March 18, 2011 at 4:51 am

    It sounds like a fascinating read – count me in please
    bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

  76. Lexie says

    March 18, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    I love the Tudor time period! 🙂

    I'm a follower as well.

    shakespeareanlover1215@yahoo.com

    Thanks!

  77. Madison says

    March 18, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    Sounds like an awesome read!!
    I follow via GFC

    chitchatqueen2005@hotmail.com

  78. Mary says

    March 18, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    I'd love to win!

    mearnold115@yahoo.com
    +2 I'm a new GFC follower: mearnold115

Primary Sidebar



Follow Me!

 

Grab My Button


Search

Recently Shared

  • When You Disappeared by John Marrs (Audiobook)
  • Sunday Ramblings
  • He Said/She Said by Erin Kelly (Audiobook)
  • A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo (Audiobook)
  • The Closer You Get by Mary Torjussen (Audiobook)

My Reading Pal Sammy

Remembering Buddy

Buddy
• May 25, 2002 - Oct 22, 2010 •
Forever in my heart

Currently Reading

Orhan's Inheritance
Dear Carolina
The Mapmaker's Children
   

.

© 2019  Peeking Between the Pages