Thomas Howard is a born survivor. A passionate man who’s never forgotten his past love, flame-haired Matilda.As a seasoned courtier, he knows how to play the royal game in a bid to become titled, wealthy, and wildly successful. And have the world at his feet.***Amazon 5* review: ‘I’ve been reading Tudor fiction for 34 years, and this book is quite unique to anything I have read before.’***Explosive secrets swirl around four young people on either side of the Narrow Sea whose lives are entwined together in the manner of an intricate Tudor tapestry.In Cornwall, England, Cecily is leading a contented life.in France. Valentine, Tristan, and Nicolas all live not far from Calais.“Nicolas laid his lute to one side, hardly bothering to stifle a yawn of boredom. Nevertheless, he couldn’t escape the fact that he’d agreed to take on a new wife.”Thomas is a respected statesman, soldier, and diplomat with valuable inside knowledge of the powerful courts of Europe.But he knows the stakes are extraordinarily high. One false step in these glittering, candlelit places of love, knightly display, dancing, dining, and desire, can be costly … even fatal.The shadowy corridors of power aren’t for the faint of heart, being inhabited by exotic creatures, as likely to pounce on their prey as to preen.Above all, Thomas is loyal to the death to any crowned king of England, whether a Lancastrian, Yorkist or Tudor. He wears his fidelity close to his heart like a badge of honour.He vows to create a powerful family dynasty, using strong sons and beautiful daughters to play a part in his grand scheme.But little by little, the deeds of the past begin to collide with those of the present.What will happen if all the family secrets are finally revealed?***Readers’ Favorite 5* review: ‘A fascinating insight into the lives of the rich and famous so many centuries ago.’ ***