Treachery and trust!

Andrew Logan is a King’s Messenger. King James VI has commanded him to undertake a secret mission from London to Stirling, Scotland. He is to bring back Sir David Moray. David had been Gentleman of the Robes to James’s dead son, Prince Henry.
Andrew is gifted (or cursed) with the second sight, sometimes a handy warning.
The way will be fraught, the way back even more dangerous as the group dodges David’s cousin’s forces, and the King’s treacherous minions.
The story is told from the viewpoints of all the major characters, except King James, a hard and dangerous man.
The Queen, Anna of Denmark, is stopped by a blind man, possibly a seer, who gives her a message from her dead son that has her planning for what might come.
Concerned for her father who is the the King’s master scrivener, Phoebe Westaway joins the party. Laurence Westaway has been ordered by the King to write down everything Sir David says. Andrew doesn’t want her to join them but something about Laurence worries him.
Phoebe’s giddy in love with a courtier Sir Valentine Fox. He’s the knight of all her dreams. He’s hinted at marriage. Alongside Valentine, Andrew is rather uncouth and very troubling.
The journey will expose the group’s weaknesses and strengths.
Another fascinating story, brimming with adventure and treachery from Susanna Kearsley that brings these times alive.
Fantasy and fact blend seamlessly making this a very exciting read.
(As I read this I couldn’t help but think about Kristen Britain’s Green Rider series, even though that’s fantasy and not based on historical fact. I’m guessing there is something similar about the energy and determination of the lead characters In both stories, of their pursuit by the enemy, their close escapes, the nobleness of Sir David and the integrity of Andrew Logan that called to me)

A Sourcebooks ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I really enjoyed this book and it took me to a world that I don't normally read about. I felt immersed in the time period and really enjoyed the language used in character dialogue and descriptions. So much applause for the historical research.

I do think the beginning is a bit slow and it took me a minute to stay hooked on it. (I will admit to a reading slump in January and February which may be the cause). Regardless, once the story picks up during travel, the story had me hooked. I really enjoyed the characters and their depth throughout. I felt I could connect to each one in some way.

Truly a great read if you enjoy post-Elizabethan England and diving in to stories that may not get as much air time.

Thanks to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the eARC of this wonderful book.

Five stars! I am a fan of Susanna Kearsley's writing, and I love historical fiction set during this time frame. It was such a fantastic read! I learned a lot, and I enjoyed the themes of family, friendship, and love.

I appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this title and was interested in the historical element.
Definitely want to learn more about King James and his wife and children.
PG rating on a modern. Which is a plus.
The plot didn’t keep me moving as much as I would have liked.

Thank you to NetGalley for a chance to preview this book!

A somewhat predictable historical fiction, taking place in England and Scotland in 1613. The bulk of the story is an adventure taken on behalf of King James. The King's Messenger, Andrew Logan, is tasked to bringing Sir David Murray from Edinburgh, Scotland to the King to answer on charges of the death of Prince Henry. This is quite a long journey in those days. And Logan is not to go alone, but to bring a scribe with him to record all of what Sir David says along the way.

The King assigns the elder Laurence Westaway as the scribe, and his daughter Phoebe insists on going along to take care of her father. Phoebe has known Logan most of her life and very much dislikes him, and has a paramour waiting her return, a nobleman Valentine Fox.

The story took the POV of four characters: Andrew, David, Phoebe and Queen Anna.
Overall this was written well, an enjoyable read.

The author’s note, or “About the Characters” section at the end the book was quite long and detailed. Likely one of the longest I’ve encountered, but it is well worth reading.

3.5 stars
This is my first book by the author, though I’ve had most of her works on my TBR for years. I will definitely get to more of her titles after listening to The King’s Messenger. On the surface, not much happens in the book. We follow a small contingent on the way to King James I’s court for various reasons. But much unfolds about the times on this journey. I was pleasantly surprised how it all turned out. Recommend!
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley

Susanna Kearsley writes the perfect blend of well researched historical fiction and tender romance. Phoebe did start off rather unlikable in this one, but that does change pretty soon into their journey. This is a bit of a quieter read and so not for everyone, but her books are always such a satisfying comfort read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc! It took a little but to get into but I really enjoyed it when I did. I feel like a lot of her previous books delt with the present day and jumping into the past but this has a different feel with just being truly in 1600s. I know I will be recommend ing this!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of The King's Messenger. Susanna Kearsley is one of my absolute favorite authors and always an automatic must read for me. I love how she blends history and magical realism to create beautiful stories.

The King's Messenger, set during King James' reign (a time period I honestly know nothing about) in 1613, deals with the aftermath of Prince Henry's death. Told from several different perspectives, we see how suspicion and jealousy have corrupted a court. While I enjoyed this story, it took me a bit to get into it. I adored the characters and their journey through Scotland to London, but the alternating viewpoints slowed it down at points and I wish we'd see a bit more of Andrew Logan's gift. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

If only every historical fiction book could enthrall me the way this one did!! This was my first book by Susanna Kearsley, but it definitely won’t be my last. I loved the way she wove together her amazing fictional characters with the truth of Prince Henry’s death during the reign of King James.
Andrew Logan is my new James Fraser!

The King has a concern, a man is wanted and a messenger is called upon to retrieve him. The messenger is no ordinary man, and neither is the difficult task he faces ahead.

I haven’t read anything by Susanna Kearsley before, and historical fiction can be a hit or miss for me. But this one was a huge hit! I loved the characters, the tension and banter, the development of alliances and trust and betrayals. The romance you hoped was coming and the gasping, feet kicking moments it does! I never knew I loved a Scottish accent so much, and now here I am swooning for it and the messenger.

Blending history and magical realism, this story weaves in betrayal, found family, love, and so much more. Told through multiple points of view and at various points across time, we see past and present collide to tell a tale that will leave you wondering.

I absolutely loved this novel, and will be looking up this author to read additional books. Definitely recommend for historical fiction fans!

Susanna Kearsley's newest release is an enchanting tale, rich with history and intrigue, along with a wee bit of fantasy, that captivates the reader from first word to the last. The Morays from her Slains series show up again, so we got our taste of Scotland, but the story centers around Logan, a messenger for the king, sent on an important mission to arrest David Moray. But not all is as it seems...The love story was tender, a slow build, but so beautifully written and engaging and I adored the character of Hector. The travels on the road were also very first season Outlanderesque, but in the best way possible. Such a joyous read. Kearsley is steadily becoming my favorite historical fiction writer!

Scotland, 1613. King James’s son Henry has died. The King’s Messenger is tasked with bringing the man suspected of poisoning the Prince to the King for judgement. The case, however, is far from solid and Kearsley slowly presents the known facts. As a gifted storyteller, Kearsley captures the time, the characters, and intrigue of the royal court. Sure to delight all fans of historical fiction.

Don’t miss the epigraph, in which the author shares what facts are known about Prince Henry’s demise. Also The Kings Messenger should get an award for one of the most beautiful book covers.

This was my first book by Susanna Kearsley, and it definitely won’t be my last. I love her writing style—deliberate and calming, beautiful without being overly flowery. The history is quietly lived by the characters, not pounded into the reader’s brain. The romance is sweet and slow. I can’t wait to read her again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and author, Susanna Kearsley for the arc!

Here we go with another 5 star read!! Woot woot!

I can’t believe this is my first book by this author! Have I been hiding in some kind of weird hole to have never even stumbled across her books before now? I am so thankful for this arc that has introduced me to what I am sure is going to be a new favorite historical fiction/romance storyteller & I am 100% here for it!

The amount of research that went into this sweeping saga is evident as it is filled with vivid descriptions, rich history & captivating detail … making everything just come alive on the page. The alternating pov’s are done with perfect pacing, really giving each of the characters their own voice, making me fall in love with each one of them! And the sweet "enemies to lovers" romance along with the enthralling story of the king’s messenger & pursuit for justice was melded together so nicely & so beautifully written! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book!

Soooo … don’t mind me ya’ll … I’ll just be over here adding all the books from @susanna.kearsley to my tbr! Because if this one is any indication, I have found another writer whose books I will not be able to put down!

Can we just start with the way that Kearsley is always teaching me history I didn't know? I was AGHAST to learn about King James in here and how he treated his children and his wife. I remain mad. I also had to make sure that he wasn't the same King James who became exiled, because, honestly, I was going to have a much more difficult time feeling bad for him if so. I was relieved to find out that he wasn't. Anyway, as always, if you find yourself compelled by the book, Kearsley's Author's Note about the history of the times is always a fantastic read.

Anyway, in terms of the actual story, essentially, Andrew Logan is sent after Sir David Moray and Phoebe Westaway and her father go off with him because Phoebe's dad is a scribe. Phoebe and Andrew dislike one another (mostly Phoebe) at the beginning and so there is a super slow build of their romantic relationship that I, of course, adored. Kearsley is big on showing rather than telling and so this book requires attention in a way that was admittedly a struggle for me at the time that I was reading it, but overall, I loved it despite the amount of energy it took for me to focus. As always, I cannot wait for more from Kearsley because I just have so much fun with her works. She is so talented and I love learning as much as I do from her. The romance and the adventure in this book is really satisfying. It also has me wanting to reread The Shadowy Horses and The Firebird because Andrew has the Second Sight. Honestly, just what a good time.

The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley is the 3rd book I've read by this talented author. The other two books were excellent, but this one is my favorite of the three. It was magnificent! I don't know why I haven't yet read the other books she's written; I guess it's because of my ridiculous metaphorical towering TBR pile. I definitely need to amend that, as this book was exquisite.

In 1613, King James is sending his Messenger Andrew Logan on a mission to Scotland. He has secret orders to arrest Sir David Moray, who was a close friend and advisor to the late Prince Henry. Andrew has the Second Sight, so he totally understands the need for secrets; he must keep his gift under wraps in order to protect his life. Accompanying him to Scotland is court scrivener Laurence Westaway and his daughter Phoebe. As their journey proceeds, Andrew begins to uncover the real reason for his mission - Sir David is to be framed for Prince Henry's murder. However, Andrew will not betray the innocent man. Phoebe dislikes Andrew, and their past makes it difficult to trust him. But she begins to understand the man the King's Messenger truly is.

This book was an exciting blend of true historical characters and events with fictional counterparts. The action takes place in both England and Scotland, and mixes romance, action and court alliances. King James (VI of Scotland and I of England), son of Mary, Queen of Scots, unified both countries under one crown. His wife was Anna of Denmark, the Queen of Britain. When their eldest son Prince Henry dies, there begin to be rumors that the young Prince was poisoned. In this tale King James is not a particularly caring spouse and father; he seems to care more about his favorite hunting dog than his family. Andrew Logan, as the King's Messenger, was a hero to root for. He was happy as a stable lad when young; but when Andrew's father, the prior Messenger, dies, Andrew is tasked with taking his place. Andrew had the Second Sight, but in a time where "witches" are put to death, he had to keep his supernatural gift a secret. He was a good, honest and noble young man of 26 years old. He took his duties seriously, and he planned to abide by his King's orders...until he figured out that the King planned to frame Sir David. He might have been the King's Messenger, but he was moral and could not betray an innocent man. Phoebe, a lass of 24 years, could not abide Andrew. She thought she knew what kind of man Andrew was, but she wasn't close to being right about him. Phoebe demanded that she be included in the travel to Scotland with Andrew and her father, who she knew was in ill health. Just how ill she didn't know, but Andrew was able to "see" her father's fate, and allowed her to accompany them. I loved the romance between the two and how Phoebe realized her opinions of the man were terribly inaccurate. The brutal man she thought she knew didn't exist. It was a slow building romance, and very touching. Supporting characters were wonderful, with two exceptional stand-outs. First was Sir David Moray, who was an actual man; he was a poet and a caring caretaker and friend of Prince Henry. He loved the Prince as if he were his own son, and was devastated at his death. Sir David was also an honorable man, and he stood by his word to not attempt to escape from Andrew and the fate that awaited him. Then there's Hector, a very young stable lad who adored and worshipped Andrew; he wanted to become a Messenger like his hero. I loved this blend of the real, fictional and supernatural; I was brought to tears a number of times, and the tale ended way before I was ready to let these wonderful characters go! I cannot wait to get my hands on whatever work Ms. Kearsley comes out with next.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am a big Susanna Kearsley fan, and this new book just continues to prove why.

Set in 1613 on basically a road-trip adventure from England to Scotland and back, this story is about love and loss, honor under duress, power and privilege, the ruthlessness of those who feel threatened or subverted. and ultimately friendship and doing what's right. It centers around Andrew Logan (the king's messenger) who is ordered by King James to track down and arrest Sir David Moray, a close friend and advisor/mentor of the late Prince Henry for his possible connection to Henry's sudden illness and death. But as Logan comes to know and slowly give over his trust to Sir David, he begins to question the true purpose of his quest.

Kearsley has a way with characters, plot and world-building research...in other words, the whole package one wants from a good book. Other than our protagonists, Logan and Phoebe Westaway (our heroine), the rest of the characters along for the ride (Laurence Westaway, Sir David and Hector) are simply superb and add just the right touch of humor and depth to round out a wonderful ensemble cast. The plot, while involving court intrigue and dastardly deeds, was interesting with just the right amount of depth to keep me engrossed and none of the confusion of a convoluted mire that can often be found in historical court outings. And as far as the location settings, Kearsley led me alongside this group, spending nights under the stars, stopping off at homes along the way for rest and even viewing a few wraiths along the way (oh, and yes, Logan is gifted with Second Sight, which adds its own importance in the events surrounding their adventure).

Ultimately, beyond the greed and the heinous maneuverings, this story shines as a testament to integrity and the true bonds of kinship both of families by blood and those made by choice. And, of course, I can't leave out the sweet and lovely slow-burn romance.

Well done.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing the free early arc of The King's Messenger for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Kearsley is a great storyteller. The King’s Messenger is well written and meticulously researched. It’s a blend of historical fiction, romance, court intrigue and magical realism. Loved it.

Susanna Kearsley writes wonderful historical fiction. She uses her research of that time period to really build a world that the reader can visualize and her characterizations if the people from that time ring true. I read quite a bit of historical fiction and somehow never stumbled upon the fact that there were King’s Messengers whose sole job were to deliver messages, or in this case capture someone and bring him back to the King. That was interesting enough on its own but Andrew Logan also had the sight, giving him a view of the future. Something in this time that would be feared and possibly get him killed. I thought this supernatural element really added a neat twist to this historical novel and made Logan’s character just a tad bit more interesting.

The mystery element to this story unfolded slowly, really allowing the reader to develop feelings for the characters and care about the outcome of their journey. Was David Moray implicit in the death of the Prince? This story will make you feel for these characters and care about the resolution to that mystery.