I have always loved a Henry VIII historical fiction novel. This fits just into that realm, but gives you a perspective of someone else who is exposed to the royal family and how it affects palace life. I loved the twists and did not the expect the outcome. I love the possibility that something could have been different.

This was a great, lighter read than some of the other Tudor set novels that I've read. It caught my eye since it focuses on the reign of Catherine of Aragon, instead of Anne Boleyn or any other later queens. Willcocks did excellent research on Catherine, and it was refreshing to see her depicted accurately in this novel, as most of the Tudor novels I read we see her through Anne's or Henry's jaded descriptions. It was also nice to see a novel set in the Tudor era that is not leaning heavily towards the romance genre. I would recommend this for fans of the period

It is a very entertaining story and allows us to take a look at Catalina's story from her perspective. It is a very pleasant way for those who are just starting to read it to get a first look at her story.

Thanks to netgalley for providing this advanced copy for the purpose of review.
I love reading about this time period and found the details to be really interesting. It has all the intrigue and drama you would expect to be happening and the descriptions of court life were compelling

In this fascinating perspective of Tudor England and the court of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, readers join Kat Cooke, a girl in Her Majesty’s service, as she discovers the complicated web of court politics and the lies and plots behind the gilded and glittery facade. Following Kat through the highs and lows of Catherine of Aragon’s time as Queen of England, she too must choose where her loyalty lies amidst the scheming of the court. Providing a beautifully complex and detailed look into the Queen’s court under Catherine of Aragon in the early sixteenth century, Willcocks has done some incredible research into the period and successfully brings the Tudor court to life in this intriguing historical fiction novel. Kat’s perspective brings the less glamorous positions that did not belong to the nobility to life, and this class status divide makes the intricacies of court life more apparent. Kat is a fascinating protagonist with a complex backstory, and her struggles with love, identity, and loyalty make the book emotional and the larger background stakes of court more personal. A fantastic read for all fans of Tudor England and the glamorous intrigue of court, Willcocks’ book is a moving and exciting peek into the court of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.

In *Of Aragon*, Caroline Willcocks masterfully immerses readers into the opulent yet perilous world of Tudor England, seen through the eyes of Kat Cooke, a young girl captivated by Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first queen. Willcocks' novel blends historical intrigue with a personal coming-of-age story, creating a compelling narrative that draws readers deep into the heart of the Tudor court.

Kat, fascinated by the strength and grace of Queen Katherine, embarks on a journey that intertwines her own mysterious origins with the fortunes of the royal household. The book vividly portrays the tension and spectacle of Tudor politics, where alliances shift like the wind, and court life is a dangerous game of loyalty and ambition. As Kat becomes part of Queen Katherine’s inner circle, she is not only a witness to the Queen’s triumphs and sorrows but also entangled in the web of court intrigue.

The strength of *Of Aragon* lies in its richly detailed depiction of life at court, from the personal and intimate spaces of Katherine’s chambers to the public, tense atmosphere surrounding the king’s desires for a male heir. Willcocks offers a deeply personal look at Katherine, a queen whose life was defined by her devotion, both to her husband and to her role as queen, even as the threat of being cast aside loomed large. Kat’s admiration for Katherine gives the novel an emotional depth that connects readers with the historical drama unfolding.

At the heart of the novel, Kat's personal quest for identity is woven into the larger narrative of Tudor politics. Her discovery of love and her growing understanding of where her true loyalties lie provide an intimate counterpoint to the high-stakes power struggles happening around her. As Kat navigates this dangerous world, the choices she faces are complex, highlighting how even in the royal court, love, loyalty, and survival are often at odds.

Willcocks’ writing captures the grandeur and danger of the time, her descriptions transporting readers to the royal chambers, the banquets, and the quiet moments of desperation in Queen Katherine’s life. The book’s exploration of the Queen’s private world, especially the intimate realities of marriage and childbirth, gives it a raw, human quality that adds to its historical richness.

Kat is a relatable protagonist, young and eager but forced to grow up quickly in a world where deception and betrayal are commonplace. Her journey, both personal and historical, provides a fresh perspective on the Tudor court, one that feels both immersive and relatable.

In conclusion, *Of Aragon* is a beautifully crafted historical novel that balances courtly intrigue with personal growth. Willcocks gives readers a window into the lives of women in the Tudor period, where even queens must fight for survival in a world dominated by politics and power. Fans of historical fiction will find *Of Aragon* a captivating read, full of rich details, emotional depth, and a story that lingers long after the final page.

I have read this ARC with a view to providing a review
All opinions and thoughts are my own

A new author to me
This is an area pf history I am fascinated in
This didn't disappoint

Loved it

Read this as an ARC for my honest review.

I think it can be very difficult to have a new and unique story from this time period, because there have been so many books, shows, and movies about it. Overall, thus book did a pretty good job at keeping me interested and wanting to read more.

I think historical fiction fans will really enjoy this one :)

This book felt like being a fly on the wall during the Tudor era. I was really impressed by the author made it feel like their was no true villain, just people doing what they could.

It's difficult to keep Tudor stories refreshing as we are all entirely familiar with Henry VIII's relationship with Queen Katherine of Aragon and the ins and outs of the Tudor court. Of Aragon brings a different slant to the story as we meet Kat Cooke, an impoverished maid who is taken into court and placed under the protection of the Queen herself.

The reason for Kat being at court is explained with an imaginative description of what life was like for the poor of Tudor England and the immense change in Kat's circumstances is told in a gentle story about life at the Tudor court. There's a conversational tone to the story, the politics of the time are explained well especially the danger which lingered in shadows. There are a few modernisms in the story, which I felt could have been changed. Of Aragon is light historical fiction and even though I had figured out the twist quite early on in the book it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story

If you love Historic fiction and the crazy life of the Tuder family, you will love this story. I love reading about the Tuders, the drama of the court and what the women of that time had to do to be seen and heard. All Henry VIII wanted was a son, but what he got was daughters and one that would become one of the most beloved Queen in history. So, when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it, the author did a beautiful job of describing women of this time period. All the heartaches, the pressure to have sons and have a voice in the Tudor court was both sad and captivating. I can't wait to read what this new author writes next, as she will be one to watch.

Kat Cooke is a young girl who is captivated by Henry's VIII wife Queen Katherine of Aragon. She soon becomes Katherine favorite in her court but when court politics put their relationship at risk, she is forced to decide where her loyalties lie. Kat also learns secrets of her birth as this change the course of her life or would keeping quiet be the best for the ones, she truly loves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for a copy of this book for my honest review.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Atmosphere Press for an arc of this book. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.


In this book we are following Kat Cooke as she tells her daughter Katie about serving Queen Katherine of Aragon and later Anne Boleyn and the truth of her parentage. Kat Cooke and her brother Will go and see a witch that lives close to them and she tells them that they will be with royals and Will doesn’t believe her but Kat does. They don’t give any more thought of it until Kay’s mother dies of the sweat and her brother and father are both away. Kat goes to the palace and Queen Katherine gives her a position in her household. Katherine makes her a maid in waiting and years pass and then she reunites with her father and brother. She learns that she’s not really her parents child and tries to find her birth mother. Then she figures out the king is her father and believes that he took advantage of a maid. Then she finds out from a dying midwife that she met all those years ago that she lived near, that she is the child of King Henry and Queen Katherine. Kat tells Katherine the truth and promises never to reveal the truth. Kat tells her daughter that she is called that she was never recognized because then she would have never married Will and had her family. She and Will marry and have two kids and she serves all of Henry’s wives. This book was so good. I love historical fiction.

Of Aragon takes readers into the heart of the Tudor court through the eyes of Kat Cooke, a young girl who becomes entranced by the strength and elegance of Queen Katherine of Aragon. Caroline Willcocks masterfully blends the historical richness of the period with the personal trials of Kat, creating a story that feels both epic and intimate.

Kat’s journey of self-discovery, as she uncovers the mysteries of her birth and navigates the dangerous waters of Tudor politics, is compelling from start to finish. The tension between her loyalty to the Queen and her personal desires adds an emotional complexity to the narrative. Watching her grow and make difficult choices, particularly in matters of love, gives the novel a human touch amidst the grandeur of royal intrigue.

What really sets Of Aragon apart is the way it sheds light on the private life of Katherine of Aragon, one of the most fascinating figures of the Tudor era. Willcocks captures both the dignity and vulnerability of Katherine as she faces her own battles for love and power within the confines of royal expectations. The historical details feel vivid and alive, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the splendor and deceit that defined court life.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, especially tales set in the Tudor period, Of Aragon offers a richly layered story that captures both the public and private sides of history. With themes of loyalty, identity, and love, this novel will leave you thinking long after the last page.

This story was set in the Tudor court, a time in history that fascinates me. It really felt like I was immersed in the happenings of the time. I was captivated and followed the plot with interest. A very satisfying read. Highly recommend.

Excellent historical fiction based on the life of Henry VII's first wife, Katherine of Aragon, seen through the eyes of Kat Cooke, a young woman accepted into the inner circle of Katherine's life. From court intrigues to hopeless pregnancies, the life of Katherine is well described and brought to life. Recommended.

Rating: 5/5⭐️

Review:

If you like historical fictions with a sprinkle of drama and intrigue you we love getting lost into this book’s short but fascinating universe!!

I did not expect to fall in love with this book as much as I did but it captured and captivated me pretty quickly!!
I’ve always loved reading about Kings and Queens of our past so I might be a little bit biased but reading about Queen Catherine of Aragon’s court life, Kat and the mystery surrounding her life, and the strong bond that connects these two women who have suffered through so much and managed to overcome each and every obstacles coming out stronger than they were before was truly fascinating!!

I will probably buy this book one in officially comes out this September 3rd!!

This is a must read for fans of Historical Fiction and other readers alike!! Definitely recommend reading at least once!!

For fans of the Tudor period and historical fiction, Of Aragon tells the story of Katherine of Aragon through the eyes of a girl who works in the castle. The parts about Katherine of Aragon were more interesting than the main character. Outside of characters I quite liked how you are able to see glimpses into what life was like in that time. The book was fast paced with easy to get through chapters.

As I know much of the history around this time period I was unsure if I would enjoy this book. But from the beginning I was captivated with Kat and the mystery of her birth. I wanted the answers as much as she did so I consumed this book quickly. I enjoyed the perspective of the ladies inner court.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. A young girl named Kat becomes the maid to Queen Catherine of Aragon.
Through the lens of this maid, we got to witness the Queen's life with her King Henry viii , while Kat tries to discover herself and her place in the world.

The characters were well developed, and although most of the language was modern and not affiliated with the times the content was written about, it still held my interest. The life of the Tudors sprang to life with this one.
Those who enjoy TV shows like Reign and The Tudors would enjoy this book, very much.

Huge thanks to the author Caroline Willcocks, Publisher Atmosphere Press and Netgalley for this eArk in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Tudor courtly life as seen through the eyes of Kat, a young foundling, brought up to believe she was a twin with her brother Will.
Kat is the narrator. She is telling her life story to her daughter, Alice, many years later, a strange story in which the truth must be kept secret.
Kat finds herself at the court of King Henry and Queen Katherine following the death of her mother, due to the sweating sickness, Kat is only 8 years old. She is trying to find her Aunt Meg, who is believed to be a laundress at the Royal Palace, but Queen Katherine takes pity upon Kat, and gives her the position of Mistress of the Pincushion. She is to take care of the expensive sewing threads, serve food and drink to visitors and to learn to sing for the pleasure of the Queen.
Kat is determined to find out the secret of her birth, and being at the Royal court brings great opportunities for her. She is privy to events concerning the “” Kings Secret Matter”, and her loyalty is tested, especially when she becomes aware of Anne Boleyn and her bid for power and the King.
Kat finds her answer and great happiness in her life, unlike Queen Katherine and Anne Boleyn.
Novels about the Tudor are usually told from the perspective of the rich and entitled members of the court. It is lovely to read about events that would have happened below stairs.
This is a good introduction to this volatile period of history, full of schemes, deception and religious upheaval, a time when women’s opinions were ignored when they don’t chime with the perceived superiority of men’s wisdom and ambition. Even a Queen cannot go against her husband, but sometimes, feminine wiles can succeed.
My thanks to Netgalley and Atmosphere Press for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest opinion. I have given this a four star read.
I will post to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.