⋙ Download The Chalice A Novel Joanna Stafford series Nancy Bilyeau 9781476708652 Books

The Chalice A Novel Joanna Stafford series Nancy Bilyeau 9781476708652 Books

Download As PDF : The Chalice A Novel Joanna Stafford series Nancy Bilyeau 9781476708652 Books

The Chalice A Novel Joanna Stafford series Nancy Bilyeau 9781476708652 Books

The Chalice: A Novel by Nancy Bilyeau is enthralling. Books involving the Plantagenet and Tudor historical eras are my favorite, whether they are actual history or historical fiction. The Chalice captures a volatile moment in time during the reign of the Tudor King Henry VIII. The English Reformation has begun. Emotions run high and events of change are sweeping the island nation and shaking it to it's core. We watch the destruction of the Catholic monasteries through the machinations of The King and Thomas Cromwell. Our protagonist, Joanna Stafford, a young woman of noble birth, chooses to live as a Dominican Nun during this tumultuous era.

Joanna watches as her Catholic relatives are arrested for high treason. A mysterious prophecy from her childhood reveals itself. Will Joanna be able to defend the her religion and keep her faith intact during this era?

This book is the second in a series, although it can be read as a stand alone. The characters are well developed and the plot and story line are enchanting. It is interesting to read fiction told from a Catholic point of view during the English Reformation. Ms. Bilyeau has done a tremendous deal of research and The Chalice and it's characters will captivate you from the first chapter. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I eagerly await the third book in this series.


Tags : The Chalice: A Novel (Joanna Stafford series) [Nancy Bilyeau] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. <B>In the next novel from Nancy Bilyeau after her acclaimed debut <I>The Crown</I>, novice Joanna Stafford plunges into an even more dangerous conspiracy as she comes up against some of the most powerful men of her era.</B><BR><BR><B>In the midst of England’s Reformation,Nancy Bilyeau,The Chalice: A Novel (Joanna Stafford series),Gallery Books,1476708657,Thrillers - General,Great Britain;History;Tudors, 1485-1603;Fiction.,Historical fiction.,Suspense fiction.,FICTION Historical General,FICTION Mystery & Detective Historical,FICTION Thrillers General,FICTION Thrillers Historical,FICTION Thrillers Suspense,Fiction,Fiction - Historical,Fiction-Historical,GENERAL,General Adult,Great Britain,Historical - General,Historical fiction,History,Suspense fiction,Thrillers - Suspense,Tudors, 1485-1603

The Chalice A Novel Joanna Stafford series Nancy Bilyeau 9781476708652 Books Reviews

Just like The Crown, The Chalice is well researched and full of wonderful historical details. Maybe too many details for my brain to handle. At least, too many characters. The lineage of Henry VIII and Joanna's family is very complicated and we learn about a lot of characters -- good and bad. I found them all hard to keep track of. There are even two Catherines. However, I found that this didn't deter my enjoyment of Joanna's story at all.

This IS Joanna's story -- and she is a wonderful character. So principled, loyal, and not nearly as naive as she was in The Crown. We get to experience a bit of romance -- although the turns that her love life takes ere not my favorite part. I enjoyed the characters she met, and how when you really come down to it, no matter how it appears, they are all out for themselves. What a crazy time in history. The fear that everyone was feeling is palpable. I would much rather have been a poor servant than part of the aristocracy. Because chances are, your head will be detached from your body -- or you may just spend years in the Tower of London!

If you are interested in this period of time, I would definitely put The Chalice on your list. It isn't necessary to read The Crown first, but I actually enjoyed that one a bit more, so it is definitely recommended as well.
Nancy Bilyeau's first Joanna Stafford novel, The Crown introduced us to this spunky novice nun, who is forced to decide where her life will go when Henry VIII brings about the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The Chalice takes the reader deeper into Joanna's world, her heart, and her mind.

This complex story has multiple twists and turns that were unpredictable and fun to read. The future of England and the Catholic Church is no more predictable than Joanna's love life. As a woman who had planned to spend her life as a Bride of Christ, she is confused by her conflicting feelings for the handsome and daring Geoffrey Scoville and the pious Edmund Sommerville.

Though Joanna hopes to refocus her life on a tapestry business that she believes will help her recreate the atmosphere of Dartford while giving her a means of support, she is once again drawn into a complex conspiracy that has the potential to change the future of the country. Prophesies, alliances, and faith all come into play as Joanna must decide if her fate has been sealed or if she can break free of expectations and do what she knows is right.

I enjoyed being introduced to the Courtenays and Henry Pole in this book. The executions that were ordered in response to the so-called Exeter Conspiracy are just one piece of evidence that Joanna must weigh in determining whether or not it would be morally right for her to join the plotting against her anointed king.

The historical detail, wonderful descriptions of people and places, and an adventurous plot combined to make this a captivating 5-star read. I am eager to continue Joanna's story in The Tapestry.
The Chalice A Novel by Nancy Bilyeau is enthralling. Books involving the Plantagenet and Tudor historical eras are my favorite, whether they are actual history or historical fiction. The Chalice captures a volatile moment in time during the reign of the Tudor King Henry VIII. The English Reformation has begun. Emotions run high and events of change are sweeping the island nation and shaking it to it's core. We watch the destruction of the Catholic monasteries through the machinations of The King and Thomas Cromwell. Our protagonist, Joanna Stafford, a young woman of noble birth, chooses to live as a Dominican Nun during this tumultuous era.

Joanna watches as her Catholic relatives are arrested for high treason. A mysterious prophecy from her childhood reveals itself. Will Joanna be able to defend the her religion and keep her faith intact during this era?

This book is the second in a series, although it can be read as a stand alone. The characters are well developed and the plot and story line are enchanting. It is interesting to read fiction told from a Catholic point of view during the English Reformation. Ms. Bilyeau has done a tremendous deal of research and The Chalice and it's characters will captivate you from the first chapter. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I eagerly await the third book in this series.