A comfortable “Lower Decks” historical fiction set in the early Stuart era, focusing on Frances, a lady-in-waiting to Princess Elizabeth who has talent as an herbalist & healer, but who gets somewhat tangentially entangled in the Gunpowder Plot. Princess Elizabeth is a compelling secondary character, and if I pick up later books in the series, it will be to follow her to the Palatinate and Bohemia through Frances’s eyes.

Somehow I inadvertently read two books about The Gunpowder Plot back to back. Normally this would drive me absolutely insane, but this book was so wonderfully descriptive, so different from others, that it did not phase me in the least. The descriptions were lush and inviting, the characters were wonderful, and the story was touching, sad, and beautiful. The novel follows the story of Lady Frances Gorges, who was stationed to Queen Elizabeth I during the last years of her life, but was then given a post caring for young Princess Elizabeth after the accession to the throne of King James VI/I. She is a wonderfully complex character and I learned things about both Frances and Anne of Denmark that were surprising to me and exciting to see portrayed in a historical fiction novel. I absolutely loved this book and was very happy to see the way that it ended up.

Set in the court of James I of England and VI of Scotland, this book follows lady Frances a lady in waiting to princess Elizabeth, the kings daughter. It's an interesting look at a superstitious and dangerous court. 
The beginning was a little slow, but it really picks up and I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy.

This novel has quite an interesting premise. I'm personally a big fan of historical fiction that examines well-known time periods or figures through the eyes of women, whether they are women who are also well-known, or those who represent people likely to have existed on the periphery of a situation. 

The writing itself was very competent, but something about it failed to draw me in. At times, I found the narration too flowery ("purple prose', as it is often called). I quite enjoy literary fiction and lingering descriptions, but this book felt a little trapped in between popular history and literary fiction -- not quite mastering either form. There were plenty of opportunities for drama and conflict that seemed to have been overlooked. That said, it's a good novel and some passages are outstanding, with others less engaging due to their somewhat meandering nature. 

I appreciated the spiritual and political themes through the exploration of so-called witchcraft. A huge amount of research would have been undertaken by the author and editors - something we absolutely should respect.

A  very good debut! The books starts slowly but if you keep reading it's a real page turner.
It's well written and well researche, fascinating characters and great descriptions.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the ARC

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. The Kong's Witch is a historical fiction, and one of the best I've read so far.
You are invested in the well being of the characters. You hope for punishment for the wicked and exportation for the good. The history of hanging so called witches, is true. Women or at times men who used the plants of the earth to heal were sentenced to death. They at times were burned at the stake or hung. Either way death was imminent. There was no way to come out unscathed. The laws were such that you died if you were guilty or not guilty.
This is a remarkable book. I read it in one sitting, but will definitely read it again.
5Stars

I think this was a great debut and the writing was very good.  The plot was too unbelievable for me otherwise I would definitely recommend to Historical fiction lovers. 

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the chance to read and review this book.

I received this ARC via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.  I really enjoyed this book, especially learning more about James I.  I have not read any books from the Stuart period and this was a nice fiction book to read.  The Historical aspect has been done very well.  The story brought that time period to life for me.  So why did I not give this five stars?  There were a couple of parts in the book that I wasn’t so sure would actually happen, except to keep the story going into the next book.  With that said though, I do recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.  As this was the first book I have read from this author, I can say whole heartily that I will be reading more of her books and I am especially intrigues to read her non fiction works.

I was given a ARC from NetGalley all opinions are my own. 
I absolutely loved this book, I read it in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and this is the best book I’ve read in months. The premise is simple Frances Gorges the daughter of a minor nobleman, whose mother was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth’s has some skill in healing which pits her against the newly formed Stuart court with its paranoid king. Alone Frances must navigate the treacherous waters of Stuart London, outsmart Cecil and avoid charges of witchcraft in an age when a woman with learning and medical skill was automatically regarded with suspicion. 
The book starts slowly but soon picks up pace, the characterisation is excellent and there are twists and turns a plenty. Anyone with a basic knowledge of early Stuart history will quickly realise the role Frances’ paramour will ultimately play  but even knowing that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I could continue but am anxious about revealing any spoilers. 
I highly recommend you read it for yourself. I cannot wait for Bormans next book.

The book was well written.  The historical information was very interesting.  It took me awhile to get in to it. The further in I got the more interesting it became.  I would recommend this book.

I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this ebook via NetGalley.

This lively account of the Gunpowder Plot makes familiar events fresh by describing them from a unique point of view. Lady Frances Gorges, a herbalist and lady of the bedchamber to young Princess Elizabeth, finds herself drawn into the center of the conspiracy by her love interest, her family and even her own conscience. But can she keep herself and her loved ones safe in the coming maelstrom? This is an enjoyable read, but some facets of the plot are simply beyond the realm of belief. SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!! For example, it is unthinkable that a king so notoriously afraid of witchcraft would allow an accused witch to continue on as such a close attendant to his daughter, especially after she had been tortured, thus having been given reason to hate the king. In addition, there is no way that a royal princess would ever have been left alone with any man for any period of time for any reason. Frances would never have been the only noble female in attendance upon her at Coombe Abbey in the first place, and if she had been, she never would have left her leave with Lord Harrington on her own. These and other small details make the story somewhat less creditable, however, the novel is still an enjoyable read with much that does accurately reflect historical fact. This introductory novel to what is anticipated to be a trilogy has definitely piqued my interest, and I am highly likely to read the next installment upon its release.

A rich and lovely debut! I love stories about strong women that are not unbelievable, and I adore novels about herbwives.

The King's Witch by Tracy Borman is a historical fiction novel about Francis Gorges, a healer, who is forced by her conniving a manipulative power-seeking uncle to wed in order to gain stature in the royal court. Frances can trust no one in the King's court but finds companionship with the King's exuberant daughter, Elizabeth, and a loyal member of the council, Tom Wintour.  Will she be able to outsmart the shrewd Privy Seal, Lord Cecil, who has had it out for Francis since their first encounter?

This book is very well-written, but I'm afraid the pace was a little to slow for my liking. Where is the scandal that accompanies most historical/fictional retellings of court life, especially when there's "sordid" sorcery involved?  I rate this novel 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: April 6, 2018. Novel Publish Date:  July 13, 2018.

The King's witch is a fascinating journey into the time immediately after the death of Queen Elizabeth I.  As Elizabeth died childless, the throne went to King James of Scotland, a weak, paranoid, superstitious, decadent  and easily manipulated. James isn't particularly excited to be outside of his native Scotland, and unlike Elizabeth, he's a ferocious hater of Catholics. As the nobles around him jockey for power, Frances Gorges comes to the court at the instigation of her noble uncle, who sees her as a tool to gain power and influence for their family. But Frances is a healer, more comfortable at her family's country estate where she works with her herbs and potions to heal the sick and helps the poor.  Frances arrives at James court where she is considered a witch for her healing abilities, and falls under the eye of Cecil, who would like nothing better than to destroy Frances and her family. 

Frances is not a historical character but the book is set in real times.  Tracy Borman brings to life the poisonous court and deadly politics of the day. Throw in a bit of romance, add some truly nasty characters and you have a story you won't be able to put down! The King's Witch is the first in a trilogy and I am looking forward to reading the next book.

As this book starts Her Highness, Queen Elizabeth I is on her death bed. King James I of Scotland is sent for and becomes King James VI of England. This is a wonderful story that kept me reading all night. It's a must for any Historical Fiction fan. I'm so glad this is a series! I look forward to reading more of this story by this new to me author. I will also be reading other books by her. 
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley! 
All opinions are my own and I loved it!

This book is quite literally spell-binding. I loved every single word! From the rich, historical detail to the wonderfully deep fictional characters, I could NOT put this book down. The events surrounding the reign of King James, to the journey of herbal healer Frances and her incredible strength of character, to the love between Frances and historical figure Thomas Wintour, I was absolutely hooked. I am now a forever-fan of Tracy Borman.

If you are into historical fiction then you shouldn’t miss this book. It is so well written with interesting characters. The story revolves around Frances, a gifted young girl who only wanted a simple life but is dragged into politics of the English Stuart court. Loved the book!

The King's Witch is the gripping first installment of the Frances Gorges Historical Trilogy, by Tracy Borman, Ph.D. a brilliant storyteller and historian. While this seems to begin as a historical romance novel, it is so much more. The book covers the Gunpowder Plot, the scheme in which a group of men fed up with the anti-Catholic machinations of King James I, planned the assassination of he and his eldest son, Henry, along with the members of both houses of Parliament. They stockpiled large amounts of firewood and gunpowder in a room underneath the meeting room of Parliament, intending to ignite it during a meeting. The goal was to blow up Parliament, then set up a Catholic regime with James's 9-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, as a puppet queen.
 
On March 24, 1603, Queen Elizabeth I dies childless, and  her cousin, James of Scotland, is waiting impatiently to take over the English throne. Attending her is Frances Gorges, who is talented with herbal remedies, and loves the outdoors, especially flowers and animals. Frances wants nothing more than to be home on her parents' bucolic Longford estate. Unfortunately, her parents' positions at court, and her uncle's greed and ambition prevent that.
 
Frances is assigned as the companion of then 8-year-old Elizabeth. She soon meets Thomas Wintour and, of course, they fall in love. Tom is involved in the plot to remove James, and Frances is unwittingly drawn into it as well, but not before being imprisoned and tried for witchcraft.
 
James, who was already on the throne of Scotland as James the VI, came to London as the English James I, intending to continue the fanatical purging of witches that he had been doing is Scotland. "Witches" being anyone who was considered a healer, or who worked with herbs, especially if he or she happened to be around when a sick person died, or when someone "miraculously" recovered.
 
Though not the leader of the Powder Plot, as it came to be known, Guido "Guy" Fawkes, is the only one of the assassins who remains famous today. Masks made into a stark-white likeness of his face have become popular among protestors, and are the face of the present-day group, "Anonymous".
 
The King's Witch is more historically accurate than many historical novels, especially romantic ones. If you love British history, you will love The King's Witch.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Grove/Atlantic, Inc., who provided me with a pre-publication copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.  Look for me online as The Grumpy Book Reviewer.

This was one tale which I gave my heart out to. To Frances, for all that she goes through within these three years. Since her life was turned upside down when James I was crowned.

Even when she did nothing more than do what she believed was right, and even helped the people with her gift. Yet, she gets herself embroiled. For no particular reason at all.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plotting, the intrigue, and the way that the Queen talked with her. Their relationship went beyond normal relationships, and was something that I enjoyed. As well as her character, doing what she believed was right.

As well as her incredibly innocent relationship with Elizabeth. Which is mostly conversations, but at the same time is integral to the plot.

But the heart of the novel was the kind of life Frances led, even when she was discreet. Even when she was careful, she was still prosecuted and in danger. She was still placed in situations that she could have avoided as long as someone did as she wished. To have her remain.

Her uncle was one of the people I disliked, on some level he cared for her, but he made use of her, and put her into countless dangerous situations to further himself. And I disliked him in how he had forced him opinion onto her, and put Frances into so much danger. You could say that his ambition was the reason the book began in the first place. But Frances makes many choices of her own as well.

Overall, I enjoyed the book for what it was, touching, and very very focused on Frances. She is involved in all of this, instead of being the bystander, not anyone important, but she still has a role. And she chose her own choices, and made them well. Her ending is one that I have to admit was bittersweet, but overall ties up all the loose ends.

Will recommend if you enjoy historical novels about intrigue, and find Frances particularly charming.

This book is amazing. Told from the point of view of a very strong willed woman. What Francis goes through just to make it in her life is amazing. The characters are completely well written out that I, honestly, wanted to smack her uncle, lol. Francis is a herb woman that in historical times would be labeled as a witch. That was completely stupid and just another way for men to control the women in the times. That is a different rant so I won't go into it right now.

This story takes place as King James comes from Scotland at Queen Elizabeth's death (may she continue to rest in peace). It takes you through King James of Scotland's witch hunt and Lord Cecil's evil plot to prove Francis is a witch. Thankfully the Queen steps in and protects her but not till Francis has been tortured. With all this going Frances falls in love & loses her love.

There are plots and schemes withing plots and schemes in the story line. Made it very hard to put down. I stopped the the first night at 57% read and then finished it the next night. It grabbed your interest and you just had to know what happens. You want to laugh and cry at the same time in parts of it. I can not wait till the next one comes out and I am adding Tracy Borman to my authors to watch and read.