The Tapestry
Nancy Bilyeau
(Author)
Description
The next page-turner in the award-winning Joanna Stafford series takes place in the heart of the Tudor court, as the gutsy former novice risks everything to defy the most powerful men of her era. After her priory in Dartford is closed--collateral damage in tyrannical King Henry VIII's quest to overthrow the Catholic Church--Joanna resolves to live a quiet and honorable life weaving tapestries, shunning dangerous quests and conspiracies. Until she is summoned to Whitehall Palace, where her tapestry weaving has drawn the King's attention. Joanna is uncomfortable serving the King whom she has twice attempted to overthrow--unbeknownst to him. She fears for her life in a court bursting with hidden agendas and a casual disregard for the virtues she holds dear. And her suspicions are confirmed when an assassin attempts to kill her moments after arriving at Whitehall. Struggling to stay ahead of her most formidable enemy yet, an unknown one, she becomes entangled in dangerous court politics. Her dear friend Catherine Howard is rumored to be one of the King's mistresses. Joanna is determined to protect young, beautiful, naïve Catherine from becoming the King's next wife and possibly, victim. Set in a world of royal banquets and feasts, tournament jousts, ship voyages, and Tower Hill executions, this thrilling tale finds Joanna in her most dangerous situation yet, as she attempts to decide the life she wants to live: nun or wife, spy or subject, rebel or courtier. Joanna must finally choose her fate.Product Details
Price
$26.99
$25.10
Publisher
Gallery Books
Publish Date
March 24, 2015
Pages
400
Dimensions
6.1 X 1.4 X 9.1 inches | 1.2 pounds
Language
English
Type
Hardcover
EAN/UPC
9781476756370
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About the Author
Nancy Bilyeau, a former magazine editor, has written seven historical novels. After working at newsstand magazines ranging from ROLLING STONE to GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, she pursued her love of historical fiction by plunging into writing. In 2012, Nancy published her debut novel, THE CROWN, which was selected as a 'Page-Turner You'll Tear Through' by OPRAH magazine. She followed it with Tudor thrillers THE CHALICE and THE TAPESTRY before writing THE BLUE, an 18th century-set novel revolving around the porcelain and art world, and its sequel, THE FUGITIVE COLOURS. In 2020, Nancy published DREAMLAND, set in early 20th century New York City. Her latest novel, THE ORCHID HOUR, continues her novels set in the Big Apple. Born in Chicago and raised in Michigan, Nancy has lived in New York, and reveled in learning its history, since the 1990s.
Reviews
"I loved the story, the characters and the rich detail of the novel. . . . So much emotion and drama, and surprise twists for even the most hard-to-please mystery fans!"--DuJour Magazine
"In Joanna Stafford, Bilyeau has given us a memorable character who is prepared to risk her life to save what she most values."--Deborah Harkness
"These aren't your mother's nuns! Nancy Bilyeau has done it again, giving us a compelling and wonderfully realized portrait of Tudor life in all its complexity and wonder. A nun, a tapestry, a page-turning tale of suspense: this is historical mystery at its finest."--Bruce Holsinger, author of A Burnable Book and The Invention of Fire
"Nancy Bilyeau's passion for history infuses her books and transports us back to the dangerous world of Tudor England. Vivid characters and gripping plots are at the heart of this wonderful trilogy, and this third book will not fail to thrill readers. Warmly recommended!"--Alison Weir, author of The Marriage Game: A Novel of Queen Elizabeth I
"A rip-roaring Tudor adventure from Nancy Bilyeau! Novice nun turned tapestry weaver Joanna Stafford returns to the court of Henry VIII. She's that great rarity of historical fiction: a fiercely independent woman who is still firmly of her time. A mystery as richly woven as any of Joanna's tapestries."--Kate Quinn, author of Lady of the Eternal City
"A master of atmosphere, Nancy Bilyeau imbues her novel with the sense of dread and oppression lurking behind the royal glamour; in her descriptions and characterizations . . . Bilyeau breathes life into history."--Laura Andersen, author of The Boleyn King
"The Tapestry takes its history seriously, but that doesn't stop it from being a supremely deft, clever and pacy entertainment. This is Nancy Bilyeau's most thrilling - and enlightening - novel in the Joanna Stafford series yet."--Andrew Pyper, International Thriller Writers Award winner of The Demonologist and The Damned
"An exciting and satisfying novel of historical suspense that cements Nancy Bilyeau as one of the genre's rising stars. The indominable Joanna Stafford is back with a cast of powerful and fascinating characters and a memorable story that is gripping while you are reading and haunting after you are done. Bravo! The Chalice is a fabulous read."--M.J. Rose, author of The Reincarnationist
"The Chalice offers a fresh, dynamic look into Tudor England's most powerful, volatile personalities: Henry VIII, the Duke of Norfolk, Stephen Gardiner, and Bloody Mary Tudor. Heroine and former nun Joanna Stafford is beautiful, bold and in lethal danger. Bilyeau writes compellingly of people and places that demand your attention and don't let you go even after the last exciting page."--Karen Harper, author of Mistress of Mourning
"In The Tapestry, Nancy Bilyeau brilliantly captures both the white-hot religious passions and the brutal politics of Tudor England. It is a rare book that does both so well."--Sam Thomas, author of The Midwife's Tale
"In spite of murderous plots, volatile kings, and a divided heart, Joanna Stafford manages to stay true to her noble character. Fans of Ken Follett will devour Nancy Bilyeau's novel of political treachery and courageous love, set amid the endlessly fascinating Tudor landscape."--Erika Robuck, author of Hemingway's Girl
"English history buffs and mystery fans alike will revel in Nancy Bilyeau's richly detailed sequel to The Crown."--Parade.com
"Nancy Bilyeau's The Tapestry continues herexcellent incursion into the turbulent and high-stakes world of the TudorReformation in England. It was a time when principle and faith had to do battlewith arbitrary power and personal fear to keep surviving. The narrative voicedraws us into the story from the first page and drives us forward to the end.What is most striking about the book is how it cleverly intertwines the historyand political intrigue in the court of Henry VIII with an account of an intenselypersonal drama and romance. A vividstory, well and clearly told, which will be enjoyable for a wide variety ofreaders."--Aly Monroe
"Fans of the Tudor era, you're in for a treat."--InStyle.com
"[A] meticulously researched blend of historical Tudor fiction and mystery draws a reluctant Joanna back into Henry VIII's court . . . Look for murder plots, politics, treachery and love."--Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Praise for The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau:
"Bilyeau sends her plucky former novice back into the intrigue-laden court of Henry VIII."--Entertainment Weekly
"The novel is riveting, and provides fascinating insight into the lives of displaced nuns and priests during the tumultuous Tudor period. Bilyeau creates fully realized characters, with complex actions and emotions, driving the machinations of these historic personages."--RT Book Reviews, (Top Pick)
"[A] layered book of historical suspense."--Kirkus Reviews
"Bilyeau paints a moving portrait of Catholicism during the Reformation and of reclusive, spiritual people adjusting to the world outside the cloister. This intriguing and suspenseful historical novel pairs well with C. J. Sansom's Dissolution (2003) and has the insightful feminine perspective of Brenda Rickman Vantrease's The Heretic's Wife (2010)."--Booklist
"In Joanna Stafford, Bilyeau has given us a memorable character who is prepared to risk her life to save what she most values."--Deborah Harkness
"These aren't your mother's nuns! Nancy Bilyeau has done it again, giving us a compelling and wonderfully realized portrait of Tudor life in all its complexity and wonder. A nun, a tapestry, a page-turning tale of suspense: this is historical mystery at its finest."--Bruce Holsinger, author of A Burnable Book and The Invention of Fire
"Nancy Bilyeau's passion for history infuses her books and transports us back to the dangerous world of Tudor England. Vivid characters and gripping plots are at the heart of this wonderful trilogy, and this third book will not fail to thrill readers. Warmly recommended!"--Alison Weir, author of The Marriage Game: A Novel of Queen Elizabeth I
"A rip-roaring Tudor adventure from Nancy Bilyeau! Novice nun turned tapestry weaver Joanna Stafford returns to the court of Henry VIII. She's that great rarity of historical fiction: a fiercely independent woman who is still firmly of her time. A mystery as richly woven as any of Joanna's tapestries."--Kate Quinn, author of Lady of the Eternal City
"A master of atmosphere, Nancy Bilyeau imbues her novel with the sense of dread and oppression lurking behind the royal glamour; in her descriptions and characterizations . . . Bilyeau breathes life into history."--Laura Andersen, author of The Boleyn King
"The Tapestry takes its history seriously, but that doesn't stop it from being a supremely deft, clever and pacy entertainment. This is Nancy Bilyeau's most thrilling - and enlightening - novel in the Joanna Stafford series yet."--Andrew Pyper, International Thriller Writers Award winner of The Demonologist and The Damned
"An exciting and satisfying novel of historical suspense that cements Nancy Bilyeau as one of the genre's rising stars. The indominable Joanna Stafford is back with a cast of powerful and fascinating characters and a memorable story that is gripping while you are reading and haunting after you are done. Bravo! The Chalice is a fabulous read."--M.J. Rose, author of The Reincarnationist
"The Chalice offers a fresh, dynamic look into Tudor England's most powerful, volatile personalities: Henry VIII, the Duke of Norfolk, Stephen Gardiner, and Bloody Mary Tudor. Heroine and former nun Joanna Stafford is beautiful, bold and in lethal danger. Bilyeau writes compellingly of people and places that demand your attention and don't let you go even after the last exciting page."--Karen Harper, author of Mistress of Mourning
"In The Tapestry, Nancy Bilyeau brilliantly captures both the white-hot religious passions and the brutal politics of Tudor England. It is a rare book that does both so well."--Sam Thomas, author of The Midwife's Tale
"In spite of murderous plots, volatile kings, and a divided heart, Joanna Stafford manages to stay true to her noble character. Fans of Ken Follett will devour Nancy Bilyeau's novel of political treachery and courageous love, set amid the endlessly fascinating Tudor landscape."--Erika Robuck, author of Hemingway's Girl
"English history buffs and mystery fans alike will revel in Nancy Bilyeau's richly detailed sequel to The Crown."--Parade.com
"Nancy Bilyeau's The Tapestry continues herexcellent incursion into the turbulent and high-stakes world of the TudorReformation in England. It was a time when principle and faith had to do battlewith arbitrary power and personal fear to keep surviving. The narrative voicedraws us into the story from the first page and drives us forward to the end.What is most striking about the book is how it cleverly intertwines the historyand political intrigue in the court of Henry VIII with an account of an intenselypersonal drama and romance. A vividstory, well and clearly told, which will be enjoyable for a wide variety ofreaders."--Aly Monroe
"Fans of the Tudor era, you're in for a treat."--InStyle.com
"[A] meticulously researched blend of historical Tudor fiction and mystery draws a reluctant Joanna back into Henry VIII's court . . . Look for murder plots, politics, treachery and love."--Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Praise for The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau:
"Bilyeau sends her plucky former novice back into the intrigue-laden court of Henry VIII."--Entertainment Weekly
"The novel is riveting, and provides fascinating insight into the lives of displaced nuns and priests during the tumultuous Tudor period. Bilyeau creates fully realized characters, with complex actions and emotions, driving the machinations of these historic personages."--RT Book Reviews, (Top Pick)
"[A] layered book of historical suspense."--Kirkus Reviews
"Bilyeau paints a moving portrait of Catholicism during the Reformation and of reclusive, spiritual people adjusting to the world outside the cloister. This intriguing and suspenseful historical novel pairs well with C. J. Sansom's Dissolution (2003) and has the insightful feminine perspective of Brenda Rickman Vantrease's The Heretic's Wife (2010)."--Booklist
