Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen

Written by Alison Weir

Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

A novel of the devout young woman who became the unwilling object of King Henry VIII's ardor-and the mother of his only son. In this third book in the epic Six Tudor Queens series, the acclaimed historian and bestselling author brings new insight to this dramatic story, showing how pure fear for her life determined Jane Seymour's actions. 25-year-old Jane Seymour wants nothing more than to become a nun. But her ambitious father has forced her to live at court as lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine of Aragon, a fellow-Catholic whom she soon comes to love and admire. So Jane is appalled when King Henry shunts Katherine aside in his lustful pursuit of Anne Boleyn, but even more so when he takes Anne's life in his rush to wed-Jane herself! Unwilling to marry but terrified to resist Henry's advances for fear she might share Anne's fate, and propelled by her family, Jane becomes Queen of England a mere ten days after Anne's execution. She knows she must produce a male heir without fail. Her very life depends on it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781501998171

Reviews for Jane Seymour

[cyderry · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I have read the first two books in this series and had a difficult time getting through both. When I started the third book, I was hoping for a better experience, but I was unable to proceed. I am terribly disappointed but feel that others would be able to give a fairer report on the book than I. I will not be reading the remainder of the series.

[flourgirl49 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This fictional biography of Jane Seymour is over 500 pages long and should have been cut by about 200 pages. I really don't think it's necessary to know every single, minute detail of her everyday life. It got boring after a while. You have to really love reading about royal history in order to finish this book - and I guess I do because I did. On to the next volume - Anna of Cleve.

[pennma05-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed reading this novel about Jane Seymour. I feel like most novels about Henry VIII's wives are more focused on Katherine and Anne so this was nice having a full novel about Jane. She definitely starts out as a naive nice girl but becomes a little more worldly as the book goes on. I really liked how the author alluded to her being the haunted queen since the two previous wives of Henry are dead when she marries him. It was really interesting that Jane would see Anne's ghost and she knew something bad would follow. I also really liked the author's notes at the end about how she came up with this portrait of Jane's life since there wasn't a lot to go on, especially about her life before she married Henry. Really looking forward to reading the next book about another of Henry's wives I feel is often overlooked - Anne of Cleves.

[cariola_6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the third installment of Weir's "Six Tudor Queen" series of novels based on the wives of Henry VIII I need to backtrack and read the one on Anne Boleyn before Anne of Cleves is published). It's a door stopper but still managed to hold my attention, and I even learned a few new things about Jane. I liked that Weir focused a lot on Jane's pre-Henry days and that she didn't make her the passive, saintly, mealy-mouthed woman I've encountered in other novels about her. Nor did she make Jane into an unrealistically strong, influential crusader. She comes across as a believable character, a woman who loved her husband (but not everything he did) and who was, to a great extent, subject to her gender, her class, and the times in which she lived.More than half of the book is devoted to Jane's life prior to her marriage to Henry. We learn of family secrets that could, if exposed, have been scandalous, of Jane's relationships with her parents and siblings, and of her early hope (undocumented, as Weir notes in her Afterword) to take religious vows. I knew that she had served as a lady-in waiting to Anne Boleyn but did not know that she also served Katherine of Aragon and even went with her in her removal from court. (Henry had a habit of trolling his wives' retinues for his next mistress or next wife.) Henry required her to take Jane Rochester, the widow of Anne's brother George, who also betrayed him by hinting at incest--as a lady-in-waiting. Weir also reveals that Jane was pregnant when she married Henry only a few days after Anne's execution but miscarried this child and another before the birth of their son Edward. Weir admits that she only imagined Sir Francis Bryant as a potential love interest, but he was indeed a friend of the Seymour family and a supporter of Jane. She also dashes the belief, promulgated by broadsides and ballads, that Edward was born by Caesarian section, and that Jane died of then-common post-partum septicemia. In her Afterward, she consults with several medical who reviewed Jane's documented symptoms immediately before and during Edward's birth and her failing health in the days following. Among their theories: that Jane's long lying-in caused a blood clot that was loosened by severe vomiting induced by food poisoning.Recommended for Tudor junkies and fans of Alison Weir's novels.

[chrirob · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Young, pious Jane Seymour finds herself at the heart of Tudor Court life, when she accepts a position as lady in waiting to Queen Katherine, wife of Henry VIII. She loves serving her queen, but finds much of court life is not to her liking as it is full of vain, shallow individuals always vying for riches, favor, and advancement. When the King's eye and heart falls on fellow lady-in-waiting Anne Boleyn, Queen Katherine and Jane's glittering world comes crashing down around them. Jane is loyal to Queen Katherine in her heart, but is ordered by her family to now serve the rising Lady Anne. Against her wishes, Jane complies with her family's wishes, with Queen Katherine's approval. However, Jane finds more that she bargains for at the court of Henry and Anne...including the attentions of the King.As with the other 2 books in the Six Tudor Queens series, this one continues a great tradition of historical fiction that leaves you wanting to know more! While most of us know the fates of Henry VIII and his wives, this series nonetheless leaves you intrigued and hanging on the edge of your seat. On to Anne of Cleeves!

[janarose1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

As a child, Jane Seymour dreamed of becoming a nun. After spending a season at the nunnery, she decided that life wasn't for her. Her family found her a place at court under Queen Katherine. During this time, Anne Boleyn began flaunting her relationship with the King. Once Queen Katherine was cast off, Jane became a lady to Queen Anne. One day, when Jane is in the garden, she comes across King Henry, and he quickly becomes infatuated with her kindness and gentle manner. This was a well written and engaging book. I particularly enjoyed reading about Jane's time under Queen Katherine. Once Jane became Queen the book seemed to stagnant a bit. The tension and drama was essentially over. I look forward to reading the next book from Weir.

[brewergirl · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have read most of Alison Weir's histories, so I trust that the historical background in the novel was accurate even if she took a few liberties in the interest of the story line. I've read and enjoyed a couple other of her novels, and this was no different. It tells the story of Jane Seymour, starting in her childhood and including her interactions with Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. I found it a very engaging and informative read. We can only speculate what would have happened if she had lived past the birth of the future Edward VI. Would she also have fallen out of favor with Henry? Would her Catholic faith have influenced Henry and Edward and the English Reformation?

[lauriebrown54 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Jane Seymour is a Tudor queen about which less has been written; she was a quiet girl, who spent her early years wanting to become a nun. Her home life was rather horrific: her brother’s wife became her father’s mistress. Ultimately she is sent to court to be Lady in Waiting to Henry’s first queen, Catherine of Aragon. She loves Catherine, and dislikes Henry’s adulteries. When he banishes Catherine and declares their marriage null, she is reassigned to Anne Boleyn, whom she despises. When Anne in turn falls from favor, she is flattered but alarmed when the king’s attentions turn to her. Jane was supposed to be Henry’s favorite queen; she gave him a living son and died before he could get bored with her. He is buried next to her. She was involved with Henry for only 3 years- which was longer, actually, than I’d thought. She left behind no letters and was not involved in politics or religious arguing, so her character can only be surmised from what little others wrote about her. Weir has given us a pious, private girl who was pushed into the king’s path by her family. Sadly, this girl failed to take fire as a character. She comes across as one of those people you don’t pay much attention to in real life. The first part of the book is very, very heavily entwined with the stories of Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, because Jane lived through that and knew them, and she was not a history maker until after they were dead. There is a lot of physical details in the book, which bring the time alive, but not, unfortunately, Jane. Three stars.

[mnm123_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book in exchange for a review. I am obsessed with the Tudors, I read any books I can find on them. Most of these books are well written and Jane Seymour is one of them. I found her story a wonderful surprise. Jane was a very moral woman and had a wonderful love story with a king. It is too bad she died after giving Henry a son. Imagine the differences if she had survived.

[ddelmoni_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Whether I'm reading Alison Weirs histories or historical fiction work, she never disappoints. Where best selling Phillipa Gregory is for beginners, Weir is known best to serious lovers of Tutor historical fiction.In Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen, Weir conjures up an amazing atmosphere that few writers can match. She will endear Jane to you as she builds suspense of the palace intrigues that Jane faces. Though I've read Weir's Six Wives of Henry the Eighth, I didn't remember much of Jane's life before becoming Queen so much of the book was a revelation. It's been awhile since I've read Weir's fiction because I 'Tudor'ed' myself out a few years ago. Jane Seymour, The Haunted Queen has made me want to keep up with this series -- I'll just skip Ann Boleyn.

[angelic55blonde · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm a huge fan of Alison Weir, I've read almost all her books (I think) so I went into this expecting to like it and I wasn't disappointed! It's the 3rd book out of her "Six Tudor Queens" series. I love that she's spending one whole book on each Queen because I don't think they all get the spotlight like they should... usually reserved for Ann Boleyn. This series and this book is historical fiction but it does play out as realistic and believable. Of course some liberties were taken, especially because during this time period historians are lacking in good source material... so you cannot fault the author and honestly, it's a historical fiction novel, you know what you're getting into.You get sucked in from the beginning. This book focuses on Jane Seymour, the "pale" queen who bore Henry a son who would later become King Edward VI. She died due to complications after the birth so her reign as Queen and as Henry's wife was very short lived but she was the only wife to receive a Queen's funeral. Alison follows Jane from before they "got together" to her death. It is shown in the book that she became a mistress of Henry's but based on other history books surrounding the Tudors I don't believe that to be completely accurate... so I think some literary license was taken there and was slightly annoying to the history grad in me but it did admittedly make for a good read. But that's why I didn't give the book a full 5 stars.Overall, I really enjoyed this book!!

[vnesting-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this third book of her "Six Tudor Queens" series, historian Weir explores the life of Jane Seymour, possibly the least known wife of Henry VIII. Although little is known about Jane, Weir's wealth of knowledge about the time period make it possible for her to bring both Jane and the Tudor court to life. This is an enjoyable read for fans of the historical fiction.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! Historical fiction is my favorite drama, and English history is my favorite time period. This book is meticulouly researched but thoroughly readable and enjoyable. I didn't know much about Jane Seymour, and now I feel like I know her fairly well. Throoughout the book, I would run to the computer for more information and to see the locations and people, when available. I really like a book that inspires me to do that! I have already ordered the other Tudor Wives books that are in print, and I look forward to reading those as well. The author has a good website also and other books, fiction and nonfiction alike. Good information can be found there. **I received a free copy of this book through the Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.**

[christiana5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’ve been obsessed with the Tudors since elementary school, but reading this, I realized that I knew very little about Jane Seymour. I enjoy Weir’s novels, and find them quick and pleasant reads, and this was no exception. I appreciated her notes about the liberties she had to take to attempt to tell this story, given the lack of source material. As she has also written numerous non fiction works about the Tudors, she is well placed to fill in the blanks in a believeable fashion. I enjoyed the book, and recommend for those who would like to know more about Jane and her world without digging through the few non fiction works that cover her. Thanks to the Early Reviewers program for the book!

[yukon92 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Knowing not much about Jane Seymour (except that she was the 3rd wife of Henry VIII) I was looking forward to reading about her. However, as the author states, there are not many original, reliable sources available that really can describe her. I found the book interesting in parts, but also thought it was quite a long book and was glad when I had "ploughed" my way through it.

[dhelmen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Like all of Alison Weir's historical fiction 'Jane Seymour, The Haunted Queen' is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Though there are historical liberties taken the do not jar one from the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an interesting and entertaining read.

[nicole_russell-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Alison Weir is a noted historian and it really shows in her works of historical fiction. She has taken a person from history and fleshed her out better than most other historical fiction I have read about Jane Seymour. I enjoy reading her "Author's notes" as she explains they whys and hows of her research on Jane and her family. The whole Six Tudor Queens series so far has been amazing, and I am excited to see what she has to write next about Anne of Cleves.

[traann_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Alison Weir is my favorite author to read when it comes to Tudor England. She makes history come alive and easy to understand as well as entertaining. Historically accurate and so readable. I highly recommend any of her books.This book begins with Jane Seymour at age 10 and she is celebrating her brothers marriage. We learn all about her family, as well as her desire to join the church as a Nun. Move forward 8 years and now the story really begins. It follows Jane as she does prepare to enter the church and realizes that it is one what she thought and she returns home. Now that she has changed her view on entering the church, her family positions her for favor with the King as part of his Queens group of ladies. This is where, if you are a fan of Tudor history, you probably had first heard of Jane Seymour. All of the interactions with the Royals follow history but it is the specific conversations and personal interactions that history books do not know about, that is where Alison’s story shines. You will feel like you are there, with all the characters, as history takes off.I am so glad that I read this book and will now be getting the rest of the series to see how she lays this all out.

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Henry's world, definitely not a comfortable place to be, if one lived during his reign, but it sure makes for addictive reading. Although I am familiar about much to do with Henry and his many wives, Jane Seymour is the one of which I know the least. I always thought of her as rather homely, meek and mild, a sharp contrast to Anne Boleyn, the wife whom she succeeded. Reading this, I think there is much more to this lady than was thought.Alison Weir has studied, written books about Henry and his reign, and in this one I believe she does a masterful job in chronicling this little known queen. It begins when Jane is young, living with her family at Wulff Hall, and continues until her death. Her interpretation of Jane's life, is explained in her authors note. Her research as always extensive. It is very well written, and at over five hundred pages, it moved quickly. I enjoyed every minute of this novel, found it very immersive, all the details allowing me to envision things as seen through Jane's eyes. A fantastic historical for any whom, like myself, enjoy or are curious about this time period. ARC from Netgalley.