The Spanish Bridegroom

From the pen of international multi-million copy bestseller Jean Plaidy comes a beautifully evocative depiction of the story of Philip II of Spain and the Tudor Queen Mary . Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory. 'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting' -- Observer 'Outstanding' -- Vanity Fair 'It is hard to better Jean Plaidy when she is in form' -- Daily Mirror 'I was gripped from the first page' -- ***** Reader review 'A riveting read' -- ***** Reader review 'Great story - could not put it' -- ***** Reader review **************************************************************** To restore the power of Spain and bring England back to the iron embrace of the Holy Church , the young Philip agrees to marry Mary Tudor . His golden hair and pale skin fill the middle-aged Queen with thoughts of hitherto forbidden pleasures. Yet Philip is merely playing the servant to his country... Set against the glittering courts of sixteenth-century Europe, the Spain of the dreaded Inquisition and the tortured England of Bloody Mary , this powerful novel traces the story of Philip II - and of the woman who came to know this cold-blooded monster only as a devoted husband and a sensual lover .