Many thanks to Netgalley and Atmosphere Press for an arc of this book. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.


In this book we are following Kat Cooke as she tells her daughter Katie about serving Queen Katherine of Aragon and later Anne Boleyn and the truth of her parentage. Kat Cooke and her brother Will go and see a witch that lives close to them and she tells them that they will be with royals and Will doesn’t believe her but Kat does. They don’t give any more thought of it until Kay’s mother dies of the sweat and her brother and father are both away. Kat goes to the palace and Queen Katherine gives her a position in her household. Katherine makes her a maid in waiting and years pass and then she reunites with her father and brother. She learns that she’s not really her parents child and tries to find her birth mother. Then she figures out the king is her father and believes that he took advantage of a maid. Then she finds out from a dying midwife that she met all those years ago that she lived near, that she is the child of King Henry and Queen Katherine. Kat tells Katherine the truth and promises never to reveal the truth. Kat tells her daughter that she is called that she was never recognized because then she would have never married Will and had her family. She and Will marry and have two kids and she serves all of Henry’s wives. This book was so good. I love historical fiction.

Of Aragon takes readers into the heart of the Tudor court through the eyes of Kat Cooke, a young girl who becomes entranced by the strength and elegance of Queen Katherine of Aragon. Caroline Willcocks masterfully blends the historical richness of the period with the personal trials of Kat, creating a story that feels both epic and intimate.

Kat’s journey of self-discovery, as she uncovers the mysteries of her birth and navigates the dangerous waters of Tudor politics, is compelling from start to finish. The tension between her loyalty to the Queen and her personal desires adds an emotional complexity to the narrative. Watching her grow and make difficult choices, particularly in matters of love, gives the novel a human touch amidst the grandeur of royal intrigue.

What really sets Of Aragon apart is the way it sheds light on the private life of Katherine of Aragon, one of the most fascinating figures of the Tudor era. Willcocks captures both the dignity and vulnerability of Katherine as she faces her own battles for love and power within the confines of royal expectations. The historical details feel vivid and alive, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the splendor and deceit that defined court life.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, especially tales set in the Tudor period, Of Aragon offers a richly layered story that captures both the public and private sides of history. With themes of loyalty, identity, and love, this novel will leave you thinking long after the last page.

This story was set in the Tudor court, a time in history that fascinates me. It really felt like I was immersed in the happenings of the time. I was captivated and followed the plot with interest. A very satisfying read. Highly recommend.

Excellent historical fiction based on the life of Henry VII's first wife, Katherine of Aragon, seen through the eyes of Kat Cooke, a young woman accepted into the inner circle of Katherine's life. From court intrigues to hopeless pregnancies, the life of Katherine is well described and brought to life. Recommended.

Rating: 5/5⭐️

Review:

If you like historical fictions with a sprinkle of drama and intrigue you we love getting lost into this book’s short but fascinating universe!!

I did not expect to fall in love with this book as much as I did but it captured and captivated me pretty quickly!!
I’ve always loved reading about Kings and Queens of our past so I might be a little bit biased but reading about Queen Catherine of Aragon’s court life, Kat and the mystery surrounding her life, and the strong bond that connects these two women who have suffered through so much and managed to overcome each and every obstacles coming out stronger than they were before was truly fascinating!!

I will probably buy this book one in officially comes out this September 3rd!!

This is a must read for fans of Historical Fiction and other readers alike!! Definitely recommend reading at least once!!

For fans of the Tudor period and historical fiction, Of Aragon tells the story of Katherine of Aragon through the eyes of a girl who works in the castle. The parts about Katherine of Aragon were more interesting than the main character. Outside of characters I quite liked how you are able to see glimpses into what life was like in that time. The book was fast paced with easy to get through chapters.

As I know much of the history around this time period I was unsure if I would enjoy this book. But from the beginning I was captivated with Kat and the mystery of her birth. I wanted the answers as much as she did so I consumed this book quickly. I enjoyed the perspective of the ladies inner court.

Tudor courtly life as seen through the eyes of Kat, a young foundling, brought up to believe she was a twin with her brother Will.
Kat is the narrator. She is telling her life story to her daughter, Alice, many years later, a strange story in which the truth must be kept secret.
Kat finds herself at the court of King Henry and Queen Katherine following the death of her mother, due to the sweating sickness, Kat is only 8 years old. She is trying to find her Aunt Meg, who is believed to be a laundress at the Royal Palace, but Queen Katherine takes pity upon Kat, and gives her the position of Mistress of the Pincushion. She is to take care of the expensive sewing threads, serve food and drink to visitors and to learn to sing for the pleasure of the Queen.
Kat is determined to find out the secret of her birth, and being at the Royal court brings great opportunities for her. She is privy to events concerning the “” Kings Secret Matter”, and her loyalty is tested, especially when she becomes aware of Anne Boleyn and her bid for power and the King.
Kat finds her answer and great happiness in her life, unlike Queen Katherine and Anne Boleyn.
Novels about the Tudor are usually told from the perspective of the rich and entitled members of the court. It is lovely to read about events that would have happened below stairs.
This is a good introduction to this volatile period of history, full of schemes, deception and religious upheaval, a time when women’s opinions were ignored when they don’t chime with the perceived superiority of men’s wisdom and ambition. Even a Queen cannot go against her husband, but sometimes, feminine wiles can succeed.
My thanks to Netgalley and Atmosphere Press for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest opinion. I have given this a four star read.
I will post to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre and Of Aragon by Caroline Willcocks wrote an intriguing passionate novel about Catherine of Aragon. Similar to Philippa Gregory, I'm hooked to learning more about the British royal families. Well written!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Caroline Willcocks for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Of Aragon coming out September 3, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really enjoyed this book. I love Tudor history, but haven’t read a lot about Katherine of Aragon. I think the writing was good and well-researched. There were a couple parts that felt a little dry to me. But overall, I enjoyed it and it was a good insight to what times were like then. I would check out more books by this author.

Book review 📚
Of Aragon by Caroline Willcocks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am utterly obsessed with this book. I am not much of a history lover, but like most we went through a stage of being obsessed with the Tutor era. So when I got this book I was so excited to be able to read and review.

We all know of Henry VIII and his wives, including Catherine of Aragon. But this story dives into the era with a few twists and turns along the way. This book specifically follows a young woman within the Tudor court and her relationship with Queen Catherine. You get a look into the world she lived and the unkept secrets she come across in her time at court.

I can easily say that historical fiction is not my genre at all, I have attempted many books with the genre but I just could not get into them. However, this story from Willcocks is so masterfully crafted that it is easy to forget its historical fiction and before you know it you have finished the book.

There is great descriptions, fantastic world building and unique characters along the way. It’s hard not to love a book that is so incredibly well done.

While I love a good Tudor court story, I couldn't get through this one. It moved very slowly, and the characters were also quite flat. I understand historical fiction gives room for creativity surrounding real people, but it felt like quite a stretch on where they were heading with this one.

A secret is hard to keep.
This is a captivating story, with rich descriptions, court intrigue, and a maids personal quest. I enjoyed this heartfelt adventure immensely.

This version of Catherine of Aragon's life is both intriguing and interesting. I enjoy reading about her, and this book is easily absorbed. The search for Kat Cooke's (servent) lineage at the end is remarkable, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Of Aragon
by Caroline Willcocks
Pub Date: Sep 03 2024

Kat Cooke, a young girl captivated by the allure of Henry VIII's magnificent Queen, Katherine of Aragon, embarks on a journey to unravel the mysteries of her own birth. As she navigates the intricate web of Tudor court politics, Kat witnesses both the splendor and deceit that define life within the Queen's inner circle.

Amidst the grandeur of the royal court, Kat discovers love but is confronted with the painful reality of having to choose where her loyalties lie.

Of Aragon offers readers an intimate glimpse into the Queen's private chambers, from the solemnity of the marriage bed to the anticipation of an heir's birth. Caroline Willcocks skillfully transports us to a bygone era where even royal women must contend fiercely for their lives and loves.

A passion of mine has been reading and learning about The Tudors, something I've done for decades. For this reason I no longer wish to read straight, dry historical biographies on this subject. However, I am open to reading quality historical fiction involving The Tudors- if the synopsis is intriguing. The Tudor Queens I am especially drawn to are the first and second wives of King Henry VIII: Katharine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. Both were exceptional women and tragic figures. Both play prominently in this story, as well as the character of Kat- a foundling who through unfortunate circumstances wound up serving both Queen Katharine and Queen Anne at The Tudor court.

As the book begins, Kat in her youth lives with her twin brother Will in pleasant but modest conditions near The Thames river, her father a very busy cook working most of the time in another household. When "The Sweat" epidemic sweeps through London Kat finds herself adrift, but the mysterious woman who lives upstairs guides her to her destiny at The Tudor court. It was a very well-written and clever piece of historical fiction that held my interest.

Thank you to the publisher Atmosphere Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

I enjoyed this book but just for fun as the story is just way too "out there". For the most part it follows Catherine of Aragon's story correctly (except for the main characters involvement) and I liked hearing Queen Catherine's side of it. However, I found it very hard to connect with the main character Kat. I know she was young - starting at the age of 8 and ending mid teens - but I just found her annoying and wishy washy. Also like others have reviewed, the language was modern for those times and there was repetition such as we didn't need to be reminded every other page that she recognized her father - who is really not her father - as her father. Overall it is fun and fast entertainment but that is all. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

As someone who has adored Tudor history since my teenage years, Of Aragon by Caroline Willcocks was a deeply personal and enthralling read. Katherine of Aragon has always been my favorite queen, and this novel offered a beautifully intimate glimpse into her world.

Kat's journey of self-discovery, love, and loyalty amidst the grandeur of the court was both compelling and relatable. Caroline Willcocks has a gift for bringing history to life, and Of Aragon is a testament to her skill. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves Tudor history, offering a rich, emotionally resonant narrative that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

I usually read more sci fi, dystopian or post-apocalyptical stories, but once in a while I like to make a break and read other genres, and historical fiction is one of my guilty pleasures, this one takes place around one of my favourite historical characters Catherine of Aragon, our main character, Katherine, more know as Kat, is writing a letter to her future daughter telling her how things came to be and how she got to know Catherine and the mysterious connection that exist between the two, but if you want spoilers you wont find it in here, anyway is not that difficult to discover by yourself, the revelations in the book were more like confirmations than a twist and turn.

Is this book based in a true story?, not quite, some characters and situations are real, maybe they didn’t really take place how they did in this book, but that’s the funny aspect for me, of reading a historical fiction, some characters are grounded in reality and that keeps you coming for more and see what the author wanted to share with us. I did like this book, for me it was quite similar to The Constant Princess, but with a focus in a different character and life story.

I recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, the language is more modern, yes I can see people complaining about it, but for me, helped me understand better the story and I liked it anyway.

Thank you Netgalley and Atmosphere Press, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213943110-of-aragon" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Of Aragon" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1716925132l/213943110._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213943110-of-aragon">Of Aragon</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50002884.Caroline_Willcocks">Caroline Willcocks</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6733865080">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A very solid 3.5-3.75!<br />I enjoy Tudor history and wasn't sure what to expect in this book, I do recommend it. <br />Author Caroline Willcocks has taken a much written topic, the life of Katherine of Aragon, King Henry the VIII 1st wife, and made it a fresher and yet intimate historical story through the eyes of Kat, a young "foundling" added to her court. It is through her eyes that this tale is told as she tries to solve who she is and where she belongs.<br />The details of court life, its political and dangerous intricacies, and historical context are presented in an engaging, pressure building manner.- you know what's coming and yet you are captured in the distinct way that the author unfolds history. <br />Katherine is portrayed in a sympathetic light, yet respected for living her convections and the utter love for her husband and daughter. Anne Boleyn is also represented in a multi-faceted manner, also living her convictions in a situation that has a profound impact to an entire nation. <br />I was surprised at how much it engaged me despite some modern dialogue and recommend it as a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction. It was a quick read and I would have liked to see Katherine's story not end so abruptly. <br />A deep appreciation to Atmosphere Press and NetGalley for the ARC, it was a privilege. All comments and opinions expressed are mine.