The Queen's Gambit

"The Queen's Gambit" is the first book in Elizabeth Fremantle's series about outstanding women in English history. It tells the story of Catherine Parr, the last wife of the capricious Henry VIII, for whom the English invented a rhyme to remember his wives: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.

King Henry VIII of England, who managed to divorce two wives, bury one, and behead two others, is looking for a new spouse. He takes notice of the recently widowed Lady Latimer, Catherine Parr. But she falls in love with the irresistible Thomas Seymour, the king's brother-in-law. Then Henry sends Seymour away and marries Catherine.

Now she must rely on her wits, trusting only her loyal maid Dot. Ahead are court intrigues, but Catherine is not willing to give up on love.