This book is meticulously researched and well written. I enjoy British aristocracy as a subject and have read multiple books on the subject in my life but hadn't come across Alice Spencer before, although I have come across the Spencer family before. While this is a nonfiction book it doesn't read as dry historical text but rather as an fascinating account if a (more than expected) relatable life given the time period and the trials she lived through.

Alice Spencer was born in 1560, at that interesting cusp of English gentry with "new money" looking to marry into the aristocracy- so many of whom had titles, but no money. This sounds like it could be the start of many a historical romance, but this book is nonfiction. Carefully researched from wills, lawsuits, and the most scandalous trial to hit the House of Lords in generations, Vanessa Wilkie pieces together the life of Alice Spencer, youngest daughter of a knight, who goes on to be the Dowager Countess of Derby. She becomes the successful matriarch to a large family of children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and in-laws who work together to raise the extended family's fortunes as a whole.

Vanessa Wilkie does an excellent job giving the reader fascinating details about what it was like to live in Tudor/Stuart England, including legal information for marriages that shows that there were times women could have more power or control than we might imagine. In fact, Alice's entire life is an excellent case study in how it was possible for a woman to work through her husband, her friends or family, or in other behind-the-scenes ways to hold significant influence both with her family and in a larger political circle.

There were times I felt Wilkie repeated herself a bit too often or re-emphasized too much the basic differences between today's society and family/personal goals and those of Alice's times. Perhaps this was to try and encourage the reader not to judge Alice and her contemporaries by our standards- which she then does during the Castlehaven trial and its aftermath. This is a tricky balancing act: seeing Alice as a mother and a Tudor matriarch mean that her actions and reactions to her daughter's trauma and the trial that follows meant something very different in her day than they would in ours, and Wilkie doesn't seem entirely sure what to do with it. She reports on the trial itself brilliantly, but it is obvious that she is uncomfortable with Alice's recorded actions and has to frequently remind the readers (and possibly herself) about the public social behavior that Alice needed to show in order to protect the rest of her extended family. Personally, I think that bringing her daughter back to live near her and seemingly protecting her for the rest of her life, shows a glimpse of what was still a close mother-daughter bond, but since there are no letters or diaries for either woman we can't know for certain.

Overall, however, this was a fascinating book, showing how people could rise through the ranks, patronize art and literature, influence others- including monarchs- both directly and indirectly, and how dangerous the wrong alliance could be. Well-written, well-researched, history lovers will definitely need to read this book!

Anyone who enjoyed The Duchess Countess by Catherine Ostler or Devices and Desires by Kate Hubbard will definitively enjoy Vanessa Wilkie's A Woman of Influence.


I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This is a must-read for all who love English history and the Tudor era in particular. Alice Spencer is a previously little known figure of that time, and her story is fascinating. It's especially timely now, as a modern member of the Spencer dynasty is in line to become King William.

Although I have a great interest in the Tudor period of English history, I don't know as much about the Stuart era and this was the first I've learned anything about the Spencer family (with the exception of Diana, of course). The history of Alice Spencer and her family is a fascinating one, one I wasn't expecting (especially the trail scandal). It is always great to learn about women who took charge in a time when that wasn't the norm. There are two quotes from the book that I think describe Alice perfectly:
"She may have been fiery and difficult, but she was wholly devoted to her responsibility to support those she saw as dependent upon her." (Which included not just her family, but those on her lands that she was also responsible for.)
"She did not always act with kindness towards her family, but she always acted with love."
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the time period or anyone who is interested in learning about a strong woman in a time when that was more unusual.

Wow what a book Alice Spencer was the daughter of an affluent sheep farmer in her marriage Alfred Stanley also Lord strange a man who was very fond of the arts and literature a love that Allison also shared in having mini sonnets and poems dedicated to her and eventually her daughters. This was a very interesting thought about her love with Alfred his early death her fight for control of lands left her by her beloved husband for her and her daughters and all this was so interesting but when we got to her daughter and marriage to lord Ticho… OMG that reads like a Jerry Springer guests biography. We have voyerrism sleeping with the help of pedophilia and it just goes on and on this book was so very interesting and I especially loved the modern day tour in the epilogue and thought that was such a nice touch. Although it isn’t told in story form it is told in an interesting way with every chapter covering a different part of her or her daughters life. A definite five star read! I have been so lucky as to read so many five star nonfiction books this month and this is definitely one of them. Kudos to Vanessa Wilke for a great honorable autobiography of Alice spinster. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I want to thank Netgalley and Atria Books for an uncorrected proof of this book.

Synopsis: Alice Spencer is the youngest daughter born into a farming family on the rise in late Elizabethan England. As her family acquires land and wealth, Alice can make the most advantageous match of her siblings marrying the heir to the Earldom of Derby. However, her meteoric rise to the center of Elizabethan and Stuart politics is full of intrigue, heartbreak, and scandal. Wilkie explores all of the ups and downs of Alice's life and evaluates what one woman's ability to obtain power demonstrates about gender roles and gender politics in late Tudor and early Stuart politics.

Thoughts: When I requested this book I had absolutely no idea who Alice Spencer was. I was drawn in by her surname (which is the same as Diana, the late Princess of Wales) and the fact Tudor was in the title. Although the title is what first drew me in I would argue that it is not an entirely accurate description of the work as the book examines Alice and the women of her family (her daughters in particular and her sisters to a lesser extent). Alice is in many ways the matriarch of the family because of her elevated status as a Countess, but when you pick this book up you are getting more than just a narrowly focused biography which is a bonus I greatly enjoyed.

Alice is a complicated woman in terms of her ideals. Wilkie does an excellent job of discussing Alice's motivations and potential thought processes while also situating her within her context. The place that I feel that Wilkie excelled the best at this was with the discussion of her daughter Anne and granddaughter Elizabeth and the court case and family drama in which they were involved. First, the way that Wilkie outlined the details of the case/drama with historical distancing, but care for the women involved was really beautiful. Often I feel in biographies when we look back at what happened to people the writing can be very clinical in an attempt to be objective. However, Wilkie does a great job of stating the facts while acknowledging that she is writing about people who had full, complicated lives and emotions. Second, the way that Wilkie frames Alice's behaviours without shying away from the fact that they do not paint her as the best mother and grandmother while also providing the cultural context helped to center on why Alice made the choices she did. It would have been easy to use our cultural standards and simply say that Alice was callous and unloving, but by providing more nuance we are able to better understand why Alice may have acted the way that she did. Finally, Wilkie's description of the case/drama was fantastic. I really can imagine why the story so engrossed the country and the continent with its salacious details and how every rumour and bit of news was devoured by the public. Also, the sensitivity with which Wilkie relayed the information and reminded the reader that this was not a film but actual people's lives made the history feel more well-rounded.

One thing that I did not particularly like about this book is that the book did not follow a linear path. Each chapter more or less focused on a period of time, perhaps drawing on how the events from the start of the chapter led to later events. However, in the next chapter, the information might start in the middle of the time period discussed in the previous chapter. For example, one chapter discusses her relationship with her husband and the events surrounding his death, but in the next chapter, he is alive for the events being discussed. It was not difficult to follow the story sequence necessarily, but there were a few times when I was trying to figure out where exactly we were in time.

This is a fantastic book the drama and intrigue of Alice's life threw so many plot twists you wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. I think that in part the book benefits from the fact that Alice is not a figure that is much talked about, but the political and economic moves she made during her life suggest that she should be given a greater spotlight. I really enjoyed how an undercurrent of the book was how Alice is an example that women's roles in Elizabethan and Stuart England were not as well defined as we might think. Yes, the patriarchy was strong during this period, but there were ways in which women could exert influence and gain power. However, those choices may have come at a cost to women's familial and marital relationships.

To discuss Tudor and Stuart England without Alice Spencer is a disservice to history. Wilkie makes it clear that by the end of her life, Alice and her family were entrenched in the nobility of the country and in the inner circles of the court. However, Alice's legacy far outreaches the political sphere as she and her family also were great patrons of the arts. Alice sought to raise her family to great heights and in the process shaped English culture with effects that can still be seen today.

If you love history, women in history, and the drama of Tudor England this book is for you.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Atria Books for an advanced copy of this biography on a woman who created her own place in society and history, fought for her family and left a legacy that continues to this day.

I'm not sure where I read this, hopefully not Twitter, but it was a line from a journalist who said, there will never be a woman who will ever have a multi-volume biography like Robert Caro is writing about Lyndon Johnson. I am paraphrasing and I regret not remembering where I read this, for it is very true. Publishers would probably balk at doing a multi-volume biography of any woman, fearing lack of sales, or even worse public backlash for being woke, whatever woke means this weak. Though if any publisher is looking for a strong writer of both men, women and the times they grew up in, and changed, Vanessa Wilkie would be the perfect chronicler. A Woman of Influence: The Spectacular Rise of Alice Spencer in Tudor England is a wonderfully written look at a woman who made her way in society, created a legacy, lived life the way she wanted it, and fought hard for the daughters she loved.

The book begins with a history of the times, before the birth of Alice Spencer, describing the changing times in society as wealth began to move between the classes. Born in 1559 Alice Spencer was the youngest daughter of the Spencer family, whose small Tudor mansion sat in middle of some prime pasture lands, lands that would change the family fortune in many ways. Though the youngest, and again a girl, Alice had a wit and a smart mind that served her well, learning to deal with others, and filling her with the knowledge that she was deserving. Alice's first husband gave her a title, Countess of Derby and social standing, along with three daughters. The death of her husband could have left her at the mercy of his family, but Spencer fought them in court, marrying one of the premier barristers of the day, gaining another title, and more prestige. There was of course sadness, and minor tribulations, but a scandal involving her daughter and her husband was one that nearly destroyed her.

I knew the Spencer name, probably from shows about Princess Diana, and I believe a movie, but I knew nothing of the story of Alice Spencer. What a fascinating, difficult life, but one that Alice fought hard for and not only that, fought strategically for. Growing up in time when daughters were pawns for land, wealth and social class, Alice really made the best of her situation, and never really compromised. The book is really well-written and well-researched with a very clear narrative that shows the life of Alice and the life of the people of the time. Wilkie does a very good job of setting the scene, describing life in society, and how that society was changing. Even the court, judicial court scenes are very clear, making the stakes apparent, with clean descriptions of what was happening. Readers get a good sense of the person that was Alice, and what some of these battles did to Alice. However one really gets a sense of the strength that Alice had, willing to outdo and out think her opponents, from the smallest snub, to the largest scandal. A very interesting book.

Recommended for people who enjoy reading about strong women, or stories about the lives of Tudors and England. Also readers of royal history will enjoy reading this. I look forward to the next book by Vanessa Wilkie.

I had the excitement of receiving an ARC of the ebook from NetGalley and the publisher. Although I have been studying the Tudor Dynasty for several years, I knew almost nothing about Alice Spencer, though I do consider myself to have some knowledge of a fair amount of figures that were alive during her lifetime. I was very curious to see what I was missing.

Alice Spencer or the Countess of Derby was a shrewed woman who was able to overcome many obstacles during her life. She was able to navigate her own, children's and grandchildren's marriages successfully raising her family higher and higher into aristocracy. They became one of the most powerful families She of course had many triumphs and sad stories throughout her life. One of the saddest was concerning one of her daughters who had been a victim of sexual violence.

I enjoyed learning about the court system during the 17th century. Alice lived during 3 different Monarchs - Elizabeth I, James I, and Charles I. Her life was quite interesting, however I wish it focused more on her in the latter portion of the book instead of her children. It was well researched, and I enjoyed learning about her tomb and funeral at the end of the book.

For those of you who recognize her Maiden last name, yes she is related to Princess Diana. Overall I would give the book 3.5 stars, but will round it to 4. It was the authors first book, and I would look into reading her future books if it seemed to be a topic I would enjoy learning about it.

I'm very glad to have had the chance to review this book, which gives some background as to how the Spencer family gained power and fame in England in the 16-1700s. There were some aspects of the book I was less fond of, but overall a moving story of a young woman trying to do her best. This is accessibly written, but may not be of interest to a general audience, but royal watchers and history buffs will enjoy very much.

Rounding 3.5 stars to 4.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC to review.

I got a lot more than I bargained for with this one.In general I only have a passing interest in the Spencer's so this had a lot to take in.I would say mostly it's more a biography on what her relatives got up to rather than her.Lots of rules for aristocratic marriages,court battles and wills.It is however highly detailed and we'll researched.I wasn't a particular fan of the writing and towards the end I felt I was plodding along rather than truely enjoying it.It was just an okay read for me and nothing really peaked my curiosity but there is a surprise or two so not bad just not really my cup of tea.

Alice Spencer (1559-1637) was a unique woman for her time, or maybe any time. Through strategic marriages, careful strategy (one might even say manipulation), and even scandalous lawsuits, she moved from farmer's daughter to aristocracy. Detailed research provides the solid foundation of this fascinating story of a woman who found and used power.

A very interesting account of one of Princess Diana's ancestors during the Tudor period. Was nice to take a break from the drama of Henry VIII's love life

First line: Today, the Spencer family name is known the world over, and Althorp, their ancestral estate, is the home of the ninth Earl and Countess Spencer.

Summary: Alice Spencer was the youngest daughter of the up and coming Spencer family. They had been making a name for themselves and building wealth during the early Tudor age. As a way to advance their family each daughter was married higher and higher into the aristocracy. Alice was married to the son of the Earl of Derby. She spent years learning about her future position in the world and raising three daughters. However, when her husband dies unexpectedly she has to fight for her daughters inheritance in a world where women have very little power.

My Thoughts: I am always looking for an interesting story about a strong woman. Alice was definitely one of these women. She learned and conquered the world around her despite the obstacles placed in her way. Her story was full of triumphs but also some sad stories for her and her family. I enjoyed reading about her and her family but such a big part of the end of the book was about a scandal involving her eldest daughter rather than herself. She had very little to do with the event. I would recommend it to lovers of the Tudor age and for readers who have just finished Spare by Prince Harry, which I just read. It is his mother, Princess Diana’s family, so it was a nice tangent from his story.

FYI: Very scandalous trial near the end of the book with sexual violence.

A Woman of Influence is perhaps too speculative to be a historical touchstone, but there is enough historical reference to make this a full-bodied read. I could have done without the repetitive mentions of a lack of record-keeping and wish there was more about a woman's position during this period since the author speculates a lot.
Alice, disappears in the lead-up to the big capstone. She is touted as the ultimate influencer because of her force of will and decisiveness in marriage arrangements. However, it is her use of the judicial system that is groundbreaking. I do not see her actions as those of curating relationships to be influential but as a form of self-protection to the detriment of those around her (even her own family). She is not always the most pleasant character to root for, but she does wield her power with precision, which is admirable.

Through strategic marriage and sheer determination of will, Alice Spencer rose from the daughter of a sheep farmer, to one of the most influential nobles in England. Born in 1560, her family gained wealth and reinvested it in it's family members. When Alice's first husband dies unexpectedly, her brother-in-law tries to strip her of her fortune. To counter his moves, she marries one of the most prominent lawyers in England. After ensuring her fortune, she turns to her three daughters, determined to make favorable matches and continue the families rise.

What an interesting family! I loved Alice's sheer determination and unflinching desire to promote her family and their legacy. The drive to build generational wealth and safety was fascinating. The fact that it was a woman was astounding. Overall, highly recommended.

If you want a history book about a fascinating, powerful woman then this is for you. Alice Spencer was a woman who bent the system to her will by playing its game better than anyone else. Following her and her vision for her family through marriages, trials (hardships and so many literal court cases), and their contributions to the arts was dumbfounding. I also loved the little details, like what things would have cost today, that made the whole so relevant.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Love the cover. If you love Tudor history like myself you need to check out this novel. Very interesting and I loved the author's writing. Highly recommend

Alice Spencer was born in 1560 to a family on the rise. Her grandfather had amassed a sizeable estate of fertile grazing land and made a small fortune in sheep farming. With her sizable dowry, Alice married the heir to one of the most powerful aristocratic families in the country, eventually becoming the Countess of Derby. It wasn’t until her husband’s sudden death (after he turned in a group of Catholics for plotting against Queen Elizabeth I) that Alice and her family’s future changed forever. Faced with a lawsuit from her brother-in-law over her late husband’s fortune, Alice raised eyebrows by marrying England’s most powerful lawyer. Together, they were victorious, and Alice focused her attentions on securing appropriate husbands for her daughters, increasing her land ownings, and securing a bright future for her grandchildren and the entire Spencer family. But they would not completely escape scandals, and as the matriarch, Alice had to face an infamous trial that threatened everything she had worked so hard for.

The full story of the remarkable Alice Spencer Stanley Egerton is revealed in this colorful biography. She was both ahead of and part of her time, Her dynasty stretches to today to include the late Princess Diana. I don't ordinarily read books of this era, but like to read about strong women and Alice Spencer definitely qualified. The only difficulty that I had with the book is the switching back and forth of the men's names between their Christian names and their titled names. If anyone likes books about Tudor and Stuart England, I highly recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

"A Woman of Influence" by Vanessa Wilkie introduced me to a figure in Tudor era history, Alice Spencer, whom I hadn't previously known. Alice Spencer, the Countess of Derby, was a fascinating woman and this book uses historical records, correspondence, diaries, and more to bring readers along on a linear narrative through her life. A noble woman's power and influence were complex during this time period and I enjoyed Wilkie's discussions on how Spencer wielded hers over her family and the Tudor and Stuart courts. This is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about individuals from the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Based on what little I learned from the summary, I knew it would be something I would enjoy based on subject matter alone. What I found was the writing was appealing and presented in a very reader-friendly manner, meaning it is perfectly balanced with an excellent mixture of facts and narrative style writing in which these people, who really lived, came alive and I felt as though I were experiencing live alongside them! I learned things I have never heard before and so many pieces fell into place into what made so many "historical figures" alive in a way that I have never before experienced. It is obvious that Vanessa Wilkie did her research and it is presented in a very appropriate manner! Whether you know a lot or a little about the Tudors, Stuarts, and Spencers...this read is something I belive will have widespread appeal! I cannot recommend it enough!