This heartwrenching novel in New York Times bestselling author Alison Weir’s Six Tudor Queens series presents “a dramatic and empathetic portrait” ( Kirkus Reviews ) of Jane Seymour, King Henry VIII’s third and most beloved wife. “[An] impressive novel . . . Weir keeps the tension high, breathing new life into a familiar tale.”— Booklist , starred review Divorced, Beheaded, Died , Divorced, Beheaded, Survived Ever since she was a child, Jane has longed for a cloistered life as a nun. But her large noble family has other plans, and as an adult, Jane is invited to the King’s court to serve as lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s kind, devout wife. After King Henry disavows Katherine and lustfully secures Anne Boleyn as his new queen—forever altering the religious landscape of England—he soon turns his eye to another: Jane herself. Urged to return the King’s affection and earn favor for her family, Jane is drawn into a dangerous political game that pits her conscience against her desires. Can Jane be the one to give the King his long-sought-after son, or will she be cast aside like the women who came before her? “This series is a serious achievement.” — The Times (London) “A sumptuous historical novel anchored by its excellent depiction of Jane Seymour, Henry the VIII’s third queen . . . This is a must for all fans of Tudor fiction and history.” — Publishers Weekly “Highly recommended for fans of the period . . . As with the earlier novels in the Six Tudor Queens series . . . [Alison] Weir focuses tightly on the sole perspective of her protagonist, thereby finding enough relatively fresh territory to keep even die-hard Tudor buffs interested. A fascinating afterword sheds light on Weir’s departures from the confirmed historical record and on the additional research she did for this novel, including an investigation of how exactly Jane died.” — Library Journal (starred review) “Deft, authoritative biographical fiction . . . Weir offers a dramatic and empathic portrait of Jane Seymour.” — Kirkus Reviews “Best-selling Weir’s impressive novel shows why Jane deserves renewed attention. Without any dull moments, Weir illustrates Jane’s unlikely journey from country knight’s daughter to queen of England. . . . This third volume in Weir’s exceptional Six Tudor Queens series offers new angles on its earlier subjects. . . . From the richly appointed decor to the religious tenor of the time, the historical ambience is first-rate. With her standout novel in the crowded Tudor-fiction field, Weir keeps the tension high, breathing new life into a familiar tale and making us wish for a different ending.” — Booklist (starred review) “Jane Seymour the shy mouse type? Think again! This superb book, the result of deep and meticulous new research, brings her to astonishing life—she is vibrant and determined, and she sets the king’s court on fire. The fascinating secrets of the Seymour family are deftly explored, the world of the Court painted anew—and Jane’s romance with the king is an absolute revelation. Wonderfully written with sympathy and grace, this gripping book gives us the real third wife and shows her struggle to stay true to herself and survive in the toughest of worlds. A magnificent novel.” —Kate Williams, author of Becoming Queen Victoria “In this gripping and utterly compelling novel, Henry VIII’s third and—allegedly—best-loved wife is brought vividly to life. Forget ‘plain’ Jane Seymour: here is a woman to be reckoned with—strong-willed, brave, and tenacious. Her story is set against the rich and complex backdrop of Henry VIII’s court at its most turbulent. Not to be missed.” —Tracy Borman, author of The Private Lives of the Tudors Alison Weir is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Anne Boleyn: A King’s Obsession; Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen; The Marriage Game; A Dangerous Inheritance; Captive Queen; The Lady Elizabeth; and Innocent Traitor,  as well as numerous historical biographies, including Queens of the Conquest, The Lost Tudor Princess, Elizabeth of York, Mary Boleyn, The Lady in the Tower, Mistress of the Monarchy, Henry VIII, Eleanor of Aquitaine, The Life of Elizabeth I, and The Six Wives of Henry VIII. She lives in Surrey, England, with her husband. Chapter 1 1518 “A health to the bride!” Sir John Seymour smiled and raised his goblet as the company echoed his toast. Jane sipped her wine, watching as her new sister-­in-­law blushed prettily. Edward seemed besotted with his new wife. At seventeen, Catherine was a very comely girl, a year younger than he. Jane had been surprised at how practiced she was at the art of coquetry, and how warmly the men were looking at her. Even Father seemed to be under her spell. Catherine’s father, Sir William Fillol, was leaning back in his chair replete, looking well pleased with the match—­as he should be, for Edward, being Father’s heir, had good prospects and the determination to