Helpful Score: 4
This historical novel had a really promising subject in Daine de Poitiers, the elegant, highly sophisticated mistress of King Henri III of France. A tastemaker of her time, and a noted beauty and charmer, this lady caused one of the most beautiful chateaux in France to be built, Anet. The book appears well-researched, and it's very detailed in its recreation of the French court and the clothing and objects and rooms of its time. It's got some sexy moments. (Henri's wife drilled a peephole in the floor of her apartment so she could spy on him making love with Diane. Creepy!) However, I found it a bit of a heavy slog, perhaps because of all the beautiful period details. The All About Romance Web site rated this a Desert Island Keeper, their highest rating.
Helpful Score: 2
The story and historical information were interesting, but the writing style was weak (overblown prose) and got on my nerves after a while. Still, I finished it and enjoyed it
Helpful Score: 1
I own over 2000 books and this is one of my favorites...very detailed historical romance. I love a story that takes a bit of hisory and weaves romance into a wonderful tale of usual lovers. A great read.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good read. I enjoyed the entire book. Most stories told about Diane de Poitiers show her as something of a power seeking cougar. This book shows the great love she bears for Henri and the hard decisions she had to make between following her heart and doing what was expected of her by society. I especially enjoyed the way the book showed the relationship between Catherine de Medici and Henri and Diane. The author did a wonderful job of showing the intertwining of these three's lives. I loved the book and could hardly put it down.
You've gotta love a good, juicy royalty story! PG-13. ****
Aside from Diana Gambaldon's, Outlander book, this is my 2nd all time favorite book. Words of review won't do this book justice, it is unbelievably: romantic, sensual, spirited, intriquing, historical and full of manipulation on every side. Because of all the loyalty you will develop for the main character heroine you will be so drawn in to her many, many facets and depths. This book will make you sit down and not think about anything for days afterwards it is just that gripping. I'm not a very sensitive person, I can predict most every sing song romance I start, I just enjoy the chase, lol, this book spoke volumes and actually made that part of me that I had covered and protected melt, it is just that good.
I enjoyed this book immensely. I love reading books about historical figures and events but sometimes the books are a little to hard to read for me. This one is of course fiction but still very informational. I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read both fiction and non fiction.
Great book!!
This is a really good story of Renaissance France and court intrigue during the reigns of Francois I and his son Henri. The "Courtesan" is Diane de Poitiers and older woman who steals the heart of Henri, heir to the throne who was much younger and more immature than Diane. She becomes the de facto Queen of France while Henri ignores and dislikes his legitimate wife, Catherine di Medici.
It is only fair to tell you that although the book and cover are still in good shape, the book is obviously split in the centerof the spine. No pages are missing and only one is slightly loose and could be taped with no problem. It was like this when I received it and it is no worse for my reading it.
It is only fair to tell you that although the book and cover are still in good shape, the book is obviously split in the centerof the spine. No pages are missing and only one is slightly loose and could be taped with no problem. It was like this when I received it and it is no worse for my reading it.
Historical Love story of Diane de Poitiers and Henri de Valois
