Of Aragon

I really enjoyed this novel so very much!
I'm always happy to see a new Tudor novel.
Poor Catherine of Aragon! Her story has always intrigued me. She was my favorite queen but I didn't care much for her daughter.
I just couldn't put this novel down it was so good. I love anything Tudor!
Henry was sure something else! But so was Anne. I think in the end Anne got her Karma.
So did Henry but it was a long while before he did. In fact, Herod sort of reminds me of Henry the way they went about things.
I felt sorry for Kat for being caught in the middle of things. I loved her story from her point of view.
I just can't imagine what being at court would be like. Wow! Scary but yet fascinating.
5 stars for a well written novel that kept me engaged. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

The interesting if improbable story of a young woman in the Tudor Court and her relationship with Queen Katherine of Aragon. I hope there will, be more,

I enjoyed this book, it was a nice quick read. It's written as a letter from a mother to her daughter and that format felt really immersive. I always love getting a deeper look into what life was/could have been like for the women of this time period. My only complaint is that sometimes the wording felt a bit too modern for the time it was supposed to be

I am a sucker for a historical fiction that feels like this does.

The writing style makes you feel like you are really reading her letters or journals.

It was a quick read, but highly enjoyable.

A delightful story of Katherine of Aragon’s court in turmoil and the mystery of a young girls birth. While she works to unravel the secrets of her own life and the politics of Katherine and Anne’s competing demands. A well developed but quick read I enjoyed.

While I don't typically read Historical Fiction, I will always put that predjudice aside for a book about the Tudor Dynasty. I am thrilled I picked up Caroline Willcocks' "Of Aragon" as it was a delight to read. The story was fast faced and thoroughly enjoyable, offering a new and fresh perspective to a centuries old story that has been told many times. I loved the take, whether entirely realistic or not, and hope Caroline ventures into telling the stories of the other Tudor Queens in future books.
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Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. This book was so good. I did not expect the plot twist, I thought I knew how it was going to end. I was way, way off. I truly enjoyed this. ANY Tudor fan should read this book immediately.

Love to read history literature. Of Aragon is such an extreme loving, amazing story. Caroline Willcocks really knew how to put the characters together and create this incredible story.

Thanks so much for letting me review it it was a great book I've always liked the story inside of a story thing and making her a princess I didn't get to be your princess that's amazing so well written

Of Aragon is a story of Queen Katherine and the English court during the reign of Henry VIII from the narrative point of Kat Cooke a foundling who came to the employment of the Queen as she was trying to find more about her own lineage. This story was told through a letter written by Kat Cooke to her daughter Alice.

I loved the show Reign and being transported to time like that, with the court politics, scandalous rumors, court drama, power play, glamorous clothes and high fashion was a treat for me. It’s more poignant being told from the point of view of a maid who loved the the Spanish Queen of England.

Who was with her every waking moment of her life and privy to her secrets and most intimate moments. Yes it’s an unreliable point of view but I loved it. It showed the core of a Queen when she isn’t burdened and burned by her crown, when she is expected to hide her intelligence to placate the egos of powerful men.

How she is expected to be strong and not prone to outbursts like the king or other dignitaries lest she be proved unfit for being a “woman”. It was heartbreaking watching her being cheated on, utterly disrespected at every turn and slowly cast aside because she wasn’t able to provide a male heir when she already had a daughter who was as fit to be an heir.

<I><b>If the throne was to pass to her daughter, there must be no talk of women’s emotionality or feebleness of spirit.</b></I>

Through the view of Kat Cooke the maid the Queen accepted into her court and cared for as a child you can feel her immense love for her Queen. Queen Katherine as gracious and kind as she was loved Kat Cooke so dearly it was never a question of her love to me. Kat Cooke saw her as a mother figure and was dazzled by her from the moment the Queen saved her as the journey to figure out her parentage keeps flaying with not hope insight.

I believe the way her lineage was revealed was executed well. Yes it was obvious, yes it was right under our nose but I was touched by it. But i forgot as much I loved being transported to the reign of kings of old England I forgot that was one of the places where misogyny was at its height. It’s ridiculous,utterly absurd.

Queen Katherine story was immensely distressing to me in this retelling. She suffered so much, suffered more injustice at the hand of a man who was supposed to love and protect her.

<I><b> I may be a strange woman, daughter, but it has never seemed to me to be right that a man can pleasure himself with any number of women, while us women are meant to be pure and chaste.</b></I>

My heart entirely went out to her. Her story was inspiring and captivating. I was in awe of her intelligence and strength. She was fierce and courageous in the face of all her plight. I believe the author took a delicate care to write this story and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing. No can say Queen Katherine of Aragon did not love the King of England, Henry VIII.
And I was pleased to see that Kat Cooke got the happily ever after as she deserved.

<b> “Kat, I have many rosaries from my mother. Confirmation, birthdays, saints’ days. What is important is that she loved me, and this rosary will carry my love for you. Now, let me give it to you.”</b>


it comes out on the 3rd of September 2024.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for kindly sending me this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for this eCopy to review

I thoroughly enjoyed Of Aragon, it was a well paced moving story that managed to contain much historical detail in an engaging way. We follow Kat as she becomes a maid to Queen Katherine of Aragon and follow her fall from grace and Anne's rise through Kat's eyes. Full of well developed characters Of Aragon really brought the Tudors alive

I enjoyed the finding out who Kat's parents were storyline, how true this is, is anyone's guess.

A Tudor era story of a young girl at Queen Katherine's court, struggling to understand her identity. I enjoyed the story, although it's rather hard to believe, but hey that's wwhat fiction is all about. Well written with lots of period details.

From the moment I started reading this book I felt I was there watching the story unfold. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about Kat and her nativagating through her life in the royal court. I gave a great insight into the queens life with Henry and their marriage.

I usually read more sci fi, dystopian or post-apocalyptical stories, but once in a while I like to make a break and read other genres, and historical fiction is one of my guilty pleasures, this one takes place around one of my favourite historical characters Catherine of Aragon, our main character, Katherine, more know as Kat, is writing a letter to her future daughter telling her how things came to be and how she got to know Catherine and the mysterious connection that exist between the two, but if you want spoilers you wont find it in here, anyway is not that difficult to discover by yourself, the revelations in the book were more like confirmations than a twist and turn.

Is this book based in a true story?, not quite, some characters and situations are real, maybe they didn’t really take place how they did in this book, but that’s the funny aspect for me, of reading a historical fiction, some characters are grounded in reality and that keeps you coming for more and see what the author wanted to share with us. I did like this book, for me it was quite similar to The Constant Princess, but with a focus in a different character and life story.

I recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, the language is more modern, yes I can see people complaining about it, but for me, helped me understand better the story and I liked it anyway.

Thank you Netgalley and Atmosphere Press, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

As someone who has adored Tudor history since my teenage years, Of Aragon by Caroline Willcocks was a deeply personal and enthralling read. Katherine of Aragon has always been my favorite queen, and this novel offered a beautifully intimate glimpse into her world.

Kat's journey of self-discovery, love, and loyalty amidst the grandeur of the court was both compelling and relatable. Caroline Willcocks has a gift for bringing history to life, and Of Aragon is a testament to her skill. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves Tudor history, offering a rich, emotionally resonant narrative that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

I enjoyed this book but just for fun as the story is just way too "out there". For the most part it follows Catherine of Aragon's story correctly (except for the main characters involvement) and I liked hearing Queen Catherine's side of it. However, I found it very hard to connect with the main character Kat. I know she was young - starting at the age of 8 and ending mid teens - but I just found her annoying and wishy washy. Also like others have reviewed, the language was modern for those times and there was repetition such as we didn't need to be reminded every other page that she recognized her father - who is really not her father - as her father. Overall it is fun and fast entertainment but that is all. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

A passion of mine has been reading and learning about The Tudors, something I've done for decades. For this reason I no longer wish to read straight, dry historical biographies on this subject. However, I am open to reading quality historical fiction involving The Tudors- if the synopsis is intriguing. The Tudor Queens I am especially drawn to are the first and second wives of King Henry VIII: Katharine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. Both were exceptional women and tragic figures. Both play prominently in this story, as well as the character of Kat- a foundling who through unfortunate circumstances wound up serving both Queen Katharine and Queen Anne at The Tudor court.

As the book begins, Kat in her youth lives with her twin brother Will in pleasant but modest conditions near The Thames river, her father a very busy cook working most of the time in another household. When "The Sweat" epidemic sweeps through London Kat finds herself adrift, but the mysterious woman who lives upstairs guides her to her destiny at The Tudor court. It was a very well-written and clever piece of historical fiction that held my interest.

Thank you to the publisher Atmosphere Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

Of Aragon
by Caroline Willcocks
Pub Date: Sep 03 2024

Kat Cooke, a young girl captivated by the allure of Henry VIII's magnificent Queen, Katherine of Aragon, embarks on a journey to unravel the mysteries of her own birth. As she navigates the intricate web of Tudor court politics, Kat witnesses both the splendor and deceit that define life within the Queen's inner circle.

Amidst the grandeur of the royal court, Kat discovers love but is confronted with the painful reality of having to choose where her loyalties lie.

Of Aragon offers readers an intimate glimpse into the Queen's private chambers, from the solemnity of the marriage bed to the anticipation of an heir's birth. Caroline Willcocks skillfully transports us to a bygone era where even royal women must contend fiercely for their lives and loves.

This version of Catherine of Aragon's life is both intriguing and interesting. I enjoy reading about her, and this book is easily absorbed. The search for Kat Cooke's (servent) lineage at the end is remarkable, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

A secret is hard to keep.
This is a captivating story, with rich descriptions, court intrigue, and a maids personal quest. I enjoyed this heartfelt adventure immensely.

Book review 📚
Of Aragon by Caroline Willcocks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am utterly obsessed with this book. I am not much of a history lover, but like most we went through a stage of being obsessed with the Tutor era. So when I got this book I was so excited to be able to read and review.

We all know of Henry VIII and his wives, including Catherine of Aragon. But this story dives into the era with a few twists and turns along the way. This book specifically follows a young woman within the Tudor court and her relationship with Queen Catherine. You get a look into the world she lived and the unkept secrets she come across in her time at court.

I can easily say that historical fiction is not my genre at all, I have attempted many books with the genre but I just could not get into them. However, this story from Willcocks is so masterfully crafted that it is easy to forget its historical fiction and before you know it you have finished the book.

There is great descriptions, fantastic world building and unique characters along the way. It’s hard not to love a book that is so incredibly well done.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Caroline Willcocks for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Of Aragon coming out September 3, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really enjoyed this book. I love Tudor history, but haven’t read a lot about Katherine of Aragon. I think the writing was good and well-researched. There were a couple parts that felt a little dry to me. But overall, I enjoyed it and it was a good insight to what times were like then. I would check out more books by this author.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre and Of Aragon by Caroline Willcocks wrote an intriguing passionate novel about Catherine of Aragon. Similar to Philippa Gregory, I'm hooked to learning more about the British royal families. Well written!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.