Interesting and well-researched historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural. I found the relationship between the two romantic leads to be choppy and rushed, though.

I loved every page of this book. This is my first Susanna Kearsley novel, but if they’re all this good, I’m a fan for life!
The historical period (1613-1614) isn’t one I’m really familiar with. I enjoyed the setting and learning more about King James. I LOVED the main characters—especially Andrew since I’m a girl who likes the strong, silent type. Somehow, the author throws a curve in the first couple of pages, and you spend the first half of the book figuring out which character is good, and which one is really the bad guy. The story kept me guessing, and I loved the aspect of second sight because it made me think I knew what was going to happen—but I was wrong every time!
I devoured this book in just a couple of days. I highly recommend it if you love Susanna, or if you’re like me and have no clue! The King’s Messenger does not disappoint.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book reminded me why I love Susanna Kearsley. Her books take their sweet time and at first may appear very understated. But every little detail - a glance, a tone, an off-hand comment - it all means something. It just feels so decadent and rich.
I loved all five characters: Andrew the messenger, Westaway the scrivener, Phoebe his daughter, David the prisoner, and Hector the boy.
At the beginning, Andrew and Phoebe thought they hated each other. Along the journey, they realized that they were wrong. We watched them go from enemies to finally lovers, and everything inbetween.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

The King’s Messenger is a thoughtful, richly detailed historical novel set in the early years of King James’s rule over a newly united England and Scotland. When Prince Henry dies suddenly, whispers of poison ripple through the court, and the King dispatches his trusted messenger, Andrew Logan, to arrest the supposed culprit in Scotland. Accompanied by scribe Laurence Westaway and his strong-willed daughter, Phoebe, the journey north is treacherous—not just in terms of physical danger, but also in the shifting dynamics between the travelers.

This one took me a while to get through. While well-written and immersive, it felt slower and quieter compared to Kearsley’s other works. The book leans more into political intrigue than romance, though the enemies-to-lovers tension between Andrew and Phoebe adds an engaging personal element. At first, I found Phoebe frustrating—her judgment of Andrew sometimes felt petty—but as the story progressed, I grew to appreciate her perspective and the dynamic between the main crew. Hector, in particular, was a great addition.

At its heart, The King’s Messenger is about integrity, truth, and honor—while also recognizing that duty and the heart don’t always align. In a world where nobility holds the power, Kearsley reminds us that history is shaped by those whose names were never recorded. Her author’s notes add another layer of depth, reinforcing the importance of telling the stories of the forgotten.

If you’re looking for an action-packed read, this might feel slow. But if you love well-researched historical fiction that immerses you in the political landscape of the time, this is a rewarding and thoughtful book.

The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating historical romance novel that weaves together the intricacies of love, loyalty, and intrigue. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century England, Kearsley’s rich, atmospheric writing transports readers into a world of political tension and personal discovery.

The story centers on the life of a young woman, who finds herself thrust into a web of royal secrets and dangers when she is entrusted with a vital mission. As the title suggests, the protagonist becomes an important messenger for the king, carrying with her more than just a message—she carries the weight of a nation’s fate. Along the way, she forms complex relationships with various characters, each bringing a unique layer to the plot. The mix of romance, suspense, and historical drama keeps the reader fully engaged as the stakes rise and the plot thickens.

Kearsley’s writing is elegant and immersive. She masterfully blends historical events with fictional elements, making the reader feel the tension of the period while also caring deeply about the characters' personal struggles. The setting is beautifully rendered, and Kearsley’s attention to detail in describing the social and political landscape of the time adds authenticity to the narrative.

The characters are richly developed, and the romance is slow-burn and tender. It is the emotional depth of the relationships, particularly the connection between the protagonist and her love interest, that truly stands out. Kearsley avoids overly dramatic tropes, instead offering a nuanced portrayal of love, duty, and sacrifice.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its pacing. While the novel builds at a deliberate, steady rate, the tension never dissipates. The plot unfolds with just the right amount of mystery, and Kearsley knows when to introduce twists to keep the reader on edge.

That being said, some readers might find the historical focus a bit dense at times, but for those who enjoy historical fiction with a well-researched backdrop, this will be a delightful journey.

Overall, The King’s Messenger is an enthralling, well-crafted tale that combines the best elements of historical romance and suspense. Susanna Kearsley delivers a story filled with emotion, history, and intrigue that will appeal to fans of the genre and anyone looking for an immersive read.

Danger, romance and court intrigue in 17th century England

Phoebe Westaway lives in a comfortable home just outside London with her father Laurence, a scrivener who works for the court of King James I of England, and her aunt Agnes. She lost her mother and siblings to the plague when she was very little and is very attached to what family she has left. The compound where Phoebe and her family lives is home to two other families who each have a member that generates powerful emotions in Phoebe...Valentine Fox, the handsome son of a wealthy family of high status who Phoebe hopes to marry, and Andrew Logan, from a Scottish family who moved south ten years earlier when King James was named king of England and who has assumed his late father's role as a King's Messenger. Logan regularly infuriates Phoebe, and she avoids him when she can....she holds him in very low regard (an opinion based largely on Valentine's observations and opinions) although her father and aunt believe she thinks too harshly of Logan. Logan is ordered by the King to travel to Scotland to take into his custody Sir David Moray as he returns from France (Sir David was the closest confidant of the late Prince Henry, heir to the throne, about whose death swirl unpleasant rumors). Phoebe's father is tasked with accompanying Logan on the trip, but given his worsening health Phoebe is anxious about his making the journey and insists on accompanying him. Sir David allows himself to be taken into custody with little resistance but he has many kinsmen who are intent on rescuing him, certain that he will be unjustly blamed for Prince Henry's death upon his return to court; the journey back to London will be fraught with danger. As the members of the traveling party get to know one another, many realize that much of what they have been led to believe isn't true....including Phoebe, who discovers that neither Valentine nor Logan is the man she believed each to be.
An intriguing tale of historical fiction, with unscrupulous and ambitious court members scheming to advance their positions, a King and Queen who are as often at odds with one another as not (especially when it comes to their children) and who must weigh the loyalties of all who populate their world, and of course a smart and caring (if initially naive) young woman who comes to realize that the man she has long disdained is in fact a brave and loyal man who is wrestling with the dueling interests of king and morality. The story captured my attention from its opening pages and kept it throughout, combining a fascinating look at a period in history of which I knew little with well-developed and (mostly) likable characters whose lives have intersected. Fans of author Susanna Kearsley's other books will enjoy this addition to her roster, and readers of Sharon Kay Penman, Philippa Gregory and Diana Gabaldon would be remiss if they don't add this to their TBR list. Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me access to an early copy of this well-crafted novel in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book!!
Historical fiction, political intrigue, fantasy elements, adventure and romance all wrapped up into a terrific story, set in Scotland and England in the early 1600's.

Andrew Logan, the King's Messenger, has been dispatched to Scotland to apprehend, arrest, and return Sir David Moray to the King for questioning in the death of young Prince Henry. Logan's companions for the journey are Laurence Westaway, the scribe, who will put to paper any and all comments of Sir David, Phoebe Westaway, along to aid her frail and ailing father ,and Hector, a young stable lad who joins their troupe in Scotland.

Their journey back to England is rife with danger, wraiths,and armed adversaries but also companionship, affection and humor as the days go by.

I loved the well written characters, the author's notes,the settings,the burgeoning romance between Phoebe and Andrew, and the intellect and compassion of Sir David. An awesome book!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and net galley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review the digital ARC.

The cover of this book caught my eye first and then learning the time period for the book - I was in.

We get different points of view of the story from each of the main characters, which gives more depth to the story.

The reader gets a gentle romance mixed with political intrigue and lots of adventure.

The author’s note at the end is very comprehensive and shows how much research the author did.

If you are looking for a sweet historical fiction with adventure, romance and magical realism mixed in, this book is for you.

Thanks to @netgalley and @bookmarked for the advanced reader copy.

#kingsmessenger #susannakearsley

It’s 1613 and young Prince Henry is dead; his father King James wants his son’s companion Sir David Moray arrested and brought to justice. Andrew, the king’s messenger, and a scrivener are sent to fetch David and bring him to London. Andrew however sees that his elderly neighbor, the scrivener is too weak to make such an arduous trip; but since everyone must follow the king’s orders, Andrew allows the scrivener’s daughter Phoebe to join them. The story takes the reader through their ride back to London, the chase from those who try to stop them and the relationships that form along the way.
Let me just start by saying that Kearsley’s earlier books are some of my favorites so when I saw there was a new one, I was so excited to grab it. This one took me a while to get into even though I love her light use of magical realism and history (I am sucker for the British royal history). However my issue was more with just not fully enjoying the riding scenes, not a dislike of the story. In the end I really became connected with the characters, their backstories and their relationships. I ingested the second half of the book in an afternoon. While I don’t love this one as much as her earlier ones, I really did enjoy it in the end.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC to review

The story was breathtaking, absorbing, with just the right blend of action, politics, mystery and romance. It’s impossible to put down, even the slowest readers will want to keep on reading! Andrew Logan, a King’s messenger, is tasked with bringing in Sir David Moray, Gentleman of the Robes to Prince Henry to answer for the mysterious death of young, healthy Prince Henry. It is a task that needs to be done in secret. Accompanying Andrew is Lawrence Westaway, a scrivener who is to write down everything Moray says on the journey s it can be used against him in a (likely) show trial in London. Westaway is old, and not in the best of health; his daughter Phoebe insists on coming on the journey to take care of him.Andrew and Phoebe have a fraught relationship, to say the least and it’s great fun and really rewarding to watch as over the journey to apprehend Moray and then to bring him to London, both Phoebe and Andrew learn things can be very different from what one thinks. In fact, the whole team (a young boy, Hector is added to the group early) finds that everything they thought they knew, just might not be the truth. Toss in Second Sight for Andrew, a noble “boyfriend” for Phoebe, the poetry of Moray and you have one terrific read. I knew before I opened the book that I would love it (I love all of Susanna Kearsley’s work) but The King’s Messenger is her best yet, deserving of 10 stars!

Beautifully written but did not hold my attention like other her books by this author. Too much exposition without equal story.

Well, I pretty much read this whole book in a day because it was a good day to rest and read a good book! For me, this one is five stars, and here’s why. I love any British historical fiction based on Plantagenet, Tudor, or Stuart monarchies. This book revolved around James 1 of England (and Scotland) who is an endlessly interesting subject; between the witch hunting, his crazy romantic escapades, his bible, his son who was beheaded (Charles), his wife queen, Anna of Denmark, who I just read about in another book (The Kings Witches by Kate Foster) and whom I find an awesome underrated Queen of England, and now I know about Prince Henry, their eldest son, who died at age 18. Why did I not know about this Prince of Wales who suddenly died at 18? I think the author did him a great service here, bringing him into the spotlight. I also loved the references to Mary Queen of Scots, who always fascinates me.
I also loved the love story in this book, and I rarely feel this way. The main character (the King’s messenger) was pretty much like a Jamie in outlander, and I learned so much about the role of the kings messengers which I have never read about before! Rounding out the reasons that this was a win for me, was references to Marcus Aurelius’s meditations throughout the book as well as some great calligraphy references - both areas in which I delight daily. Many many thanks to NetGalley for sending me an advanced readers copy of this well-researched book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will definitely check out more books by this author!

Prince Henry is dead.

Andrew Logan is a Messenger for the King. He has been sent to bring Prince Henry's companion Sir David back to stand trial. The King believes Prince Henry was poisoned and that Sir David is responsible.

Logan will be accompanied by a scribe and his daughter.
What starts out as a routine job ends up being very complicated for Logan. Should he follow his orders or do what is right?

I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but this one piqued my interest. I loved it! Logan is a fantastic main character. I loved the intrigue. There's a small fantastical element that was interesting. I also really enjoyed the author note at the end that told about the real Messengers. I will definitely check out more books by this author.

This was my first time reading Susanna Kearsley and I was blown away. This was such a great book that incorporated historical fiction, a touch of magic and a hint of romance. Before reading this story, I knew nothing about King James, Prince Henry or Queen Anna so this made for such an immersive and informative read for me. I enjoyed the multi-POV throughout the book as we follow along Andrew and Phoebe on their exciting journey as well as get a glimpse into Queen Anna's life. The only thing is that I wish there was a little more explanation as to the magic/paranormal element of second sight that Andrew has since there aren't any clear rules for when his gift can be used. Overall though, this was a great read that I recommend to any historical fiction fans!

A huge thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark & Susanna Kearsley for this ARC! 💙

👑 I knew bits about Mary, Queen of Scots, but almost nothing about her son, King James I—the first ruler of both Scotland & England. When I saw The King’s Messenger was set during his reign, unraveling political intrigue, secrets, and betrayal after his son Henry’s death, I had to read it. And WOW—it did not disappoint!

📖 What stood out?
Susanna Kearsley is a master at making history come alive. The vivid Scottish scenery, the courtly drama, and the fascinating concept of the King’s Messenger role had me hooked. Add in a mix of magical realism & enemies-to-lovers romance, and for a hot second, I forgot I was reading historical fiction! 😍

🔥 What to Expect:
✔️ Multiple POVs 👀
✔️ Enemies to lovers 💘
✔️ Scottish scenery & court politics 🏰
✔️ Secrets, betrayal, and bandits ⚔️
✔️ Closed-door scenes 🔥

💞 How was the romance?
The dynamic between Andrew & Phoebe was everything. Both are strong-willed yet bound by court expectations. Phoebe’s growth from naïve to resilient was one of my favorite parts. Kearsley crafted their tension beautifully, making every interaction electric. ⚡

⭐ Final Thoughts:
If you love historical fiction with romance, political twists, & immersive storytelling, this book is a must-read! The multiple POVs keep the pacing perfect, and between the court intrigue, danger, and slow-burning tension, you won’t be able to put this one down!

Author Susanna Kearsley is a favorite of mine; her tales seamlessly weave historical detail with magical influences, resulting in powerful tales that are difficult to put down. THE KING’S MESSENGER is one of her best, relying upon a popular romance trope, ‘the road trip’, to challenge and reward the characters as they move towards their destination. The historical detail is well-developed with picturesque settings from Scotland and England, accompanied by a rotating band of secondary characters that serve to flesh out the historical detail and provide support or threats along the journey. Is this more romance than historical fiction? Probably, because the historic record described within, remains unsettled. Was there a murder or just a sudden death of the young Prince Henry? Much of the plot revolves around the dead heir to the throne. In fictional characters, the budding romance, but one of the ancillary plots, is a fun addition. I could not pause my reading of this book; it was just that good. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

The King's Messenger shed light on an interesting time period through her engaging story telling. Fans of Historical Fiction with some romance peppered in will love this book.

The setting is 1613 during the reign of King James. Andrew Logan is dispatched as the Kings messenger to bring Sir David Moray to Court for questioning. Sir David is suspected of being involved in the untimely death of the crown Prince Henry. David was a close companion of the Prince Henry and seems to be in mourning over his passing.

Throughout the book we get glimpses of Prince Henry's upbringing through the POV of David and Henry's Mother, Anne of Denmark. I enjoyed reading about how the royal family was raised in this era and what the familial relationships looked like. However most of the book takes place during the "present day" after Henry's death. The chapters are written from multiple POV which give the characters added depth.

The majority of the book is the traveling from Scotland to England to return to the Kings Court. The traveling party contains Sir David, Andrew Logan, Phoebe, Phoebe's father the scribe, and a young boy who is along to care for the horses. Andrew and Phoebe have an Enemies to Lovers vibe. Phoebe has definite opinions about Logan, but as the journey goes on she begins to question those opinions and wonder if she has been misled.

All in all a good read!

I received an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.

Thank you SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for this arc.

The first part of the book seemed to me to be mainly character studies of the people on the journey to Scotland as well as Sir David’s memories of his time with Prince Henry who, at the time, was thought of as the hope of the nation. There are secrets here as well as long held misunderstandings which will turn out to be based on Reasons. So yeah, miscommunications. Then throw in a road trip which actually picks up once Phoebe and her father arrive in Leith and meet up with Andrew and a young boy he’s taken under his wing. Oh, I hope there is or will be more heard about from young Hector as he’s a delight who avoids plot-moppethood.

The fact that Sir David Murry knows that it’s likely that he will be arrested on orders of King James and that his likely fate will not be a good one but that he still arrives back in Scotland says a lot about his character to me. Along the trip and through his memories, David will serve as our source of information about Prince Henry whom it is clear he loved as a son and whose death devastated him.


Phoebe starts the book with a chip on her shoulder and a starry eyed view of a certain asshole whom she thinks she loves. Phoebe’s eyes are slowly opened along the journey when she sees men of true worth and honor and then remembers and rethinks things from her past. It’s a gradual transformation which makes it all the more believable for me.

The road trip reveals the Border areas between Scotland and England as well as life in the early seventeenth century. As the travelers get closer to London, opinions and loyalties have shifted and a secret is revealed. But the King is the one who issued Andrew’s orders and he must be obeyed – not because Andrew agrees with what looks to be Sir David’s ultimate fate, being made to “fall in his sword” to cover up the deeds of others, but rather that a king in general, and King James in particular, is not to be messed with. But then a possibility opens up which harks back to something that we’ve already seen in action. Sometimes it is what you know that counts.

I think that this is a “still waters run deep” novel. It has romantic love, intrigue, danger, family love, politics, and history. I stayed up late to read just one more chapter and then settled myself down the next day to discover what would happen next. One of the best things I can say about this book is that it is written in a way that makes me want to know more. The wait for another Kearsley novel is long but the reward is great. A-

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark. I'm voluntarily leaving a review, and all opinions are my own.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, British Fiction, Scottish
Spice Level: Kissing on page

I'm already a fan of Susanna Kearsley's books. This one is a little different because it exclusively takes place in the past instead of having a connection to the contemporary world. I still loved it!

THE KING'S MESSENGER caught me into its world of king's messengers, court intrigue, false accusations, the Scottish sight into events to come, and so much more!

The characters are stunning. And I loved watching how they slowly change in their views and what happens because of those changes. The characters we want to root for have more modern sensibilities than might have been historically accurate. This mostly comes out in respect for women and kindness. There are also characters that you will love to hate.

I couldn't stop reading because I was so caught in the story. It is wonderfully interesting and firmly grounded in facts (with a little extrapolation, of course). And anytime there's a Scottish man in a book, I just seem to love it even more.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in British Royalty, England, sweet romance, and historical fiction.

Happy reading!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The King’s Messenger
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Source: Netgalley
Publication Date: March 4, 2025

The captivating tale of early royal life, “The King’s Messenger,” will rank among my top books for 2025. Through Andrew Logan’s eyes, we witness the intricate dynamics of a royal household where loyalty and honor are paramount. As a student of King James, I found the retelling of his life, woven by author, Susanna Kearsley, particularly memorable. It vividly portrays a king with voracious appetites, hateful and jealous tendencies, and a corrupt court filled with intrigue.

The story centers around King James and his wife, Queen Anna, and the tragic loss of their eldest son, Prince Henry. Amidst this somber backdrop, an unlikely romance blossoms between the Messenger, Andrew Logan, and his neighbor, Phoebe Westaway. As the King’s messenger, Logan’s mission is to return Sir David Moray, unjustly accused of Prince Henry’s murder, to London or prove his innocence.

As Andrew and Phoebe journey home from Scotland, they face danger and treachery. They are forced to confront the true villains while obeying the King’s orders. This exquisite tale of love, romance, deception, and royal life is a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts. @susanna.kearsley @bookmarked @netgalley #england #scotland #historicalfiction #books #bookstagram #bookreviewer #thekingsmessenger #kingJames #romance #journey #royalmessengers

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.

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