To read this series chronologically, read them in this order: TCP, TOBG, TBI, TQF, TVL, and TOQ (coming 9/16/08). If you want advice on the best way to read the books when you have started with TOBG (most of us seem to have done this), I recommend reading all of them chronologically after TOBG to the end, and then looping back to read TCP after you have finished the series. I heard that from folks who've read them all, and it seems to be working for me. However, I don't think I can wait that long now because I would have to wait until September when TOQ comes out. This is the best of the three Gregory books that I have read so far. I read the two Boleyn books and enjoyed them thoroughly, but this is much richer. It is very interesting that my favorite of her characters is not nobility but a fool! Hannah is strong, unexpectedly adept in dealing with matters of the court, independent, and idealistic but grounded. I love this book. Also, this book has a good little slice of war which rounds it out well. A note to readers of historical fiction, Gregory is filled with PLENTY romance and cotton candy to make the reads seem light while informing of the period.

Very compelling, this is the sequel to The Other Boleyn Girl. I couldn't put down this book! Great historical novel, tells the story of the succession to the throne after Henry VIII through the eyes of a young woman who goes to work at the court. Good read!

I love that even though we've been taught our history lessons in school, Philippa Gregory is able to write a book from a "minor" character's prospective to give the feeling that this is all new material. There are plenty of plot twist to keep this book moving. I love the descriptions of the era from the dress, mannerisms, and activities of the day. I can't wait to read more from this author!!!

Philippa Gregory, as is typical of her works, is able to re-tell common tale in a very uncommon manner - by way of utilizing a servant's perspective. Love it!

My least favorite of all the books by P. Gregory which I've read to date. I found Hannah unlikeable through most of the book. In the last third of the book she became bearable to me, but I never really warmed up to her.

Interesting in the way it took the tale of the Marranos (Jews who converted to Christianity) fleeing Spain and the Inquisition for a safer haven and wove it into a story/bit of history that I'm all too familiar with (Tudor England).

Phillipa Gregory has such a unique voice and is such a talented story-teller. While I had my doubts when I started this book, I was eventually swept away by it. The pace was initially much slower than the previous Gregory books that I had read, but in a way that was fitting for the main character of this story, Hannah Green. In much the same way that you see Hannah transform from a young girl and the Queen's fool, the book transforms from ordinary to magnificent. You won't want to miss this one.

This books follows The Other Boleyn Girl thus continuing the story of Henry VIII, now focusing on his offspring: Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth. Again there is treachery, spying, secrets, upending loyalites, and a fight till death for the throne. All this is told and seen through the eyes of a Jewish-turned-Christian girl Hannah Green, who is a common girl with an uncommon gift: she is able to predict the future. She is quickly taken into the royal court to serve both the Queen Mary and Princess Elisabeth and to no surprise she gets caught in lies and scheming herself. She gets into some big trouble and must decide what she wants in life. This is a nice coming of age story as you see Hannah mature and decide where her true loyalties lie. I have come to love Philippa Gregory's books and this is no exception. Next up I am going to take on her Wildacre series.

"The Queen's Fool" is the story of Hannah Green who has the Sight, and is therefore invited to be a Holy Fool for King Edward, and after his death, Queen Mary, and eventually Queen Elizabeth. Hannah and her father fled from Spain after her mother was burned at the stake by the Inquisition for being Jewish.

"The Queen's Fool" is a compelling story, but I was a bit disappointed after reading "The Other Boleyn Girl" (also by Philippa Gregory). I thought that "The Queen's Fool" was not quite as gripping, and it took me a bit longer to get into the story. I love the time period surrounding the story, and Gregory definitely offered a different perspective than the ones taught in history class (obviously I know that this is historical fiction, and not all true).

I recommend that you read "The Queen's Fool", especially if you enjoy historical fiction and the period between King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth.

Probably one of my favorites of Philippa's. Tells about Hannah who has the "gift" of sight and is hired by Queen Mary and then Queen Elizabeth. Around the time of the witchtrials in England and she must choose to continue serving the queen, or choose a commoners path. Very good read and very detailed oriented like all of her books are. Beware though, could take you awhile to finish, took me about a week to read the book. =)

I like all of Philippa Gregory's books. They contain historical events but are fiction.
This one was a little bit hard to get into, but a good read anyway.
A young Jewish girl flees Spain with her Father to England. She has the "sight" and her gift influences her in the court of Queen Mary and with Princess Elizabeth and Robert Dudley also.
She is promised in wedlock to a commoner and must choose between him and an exciting and dangerous life at court.

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This book is wonderful! I love the main character's story. After reading "The Other Boleyn Girl", I expected a similar fast paced, dramatic story. This is a more charismatic, heart warming story. I felt like I got to know the main character better. Even though the story takes place so long ago, the author writes in such a way that the reader can relate to the characters and their lives. Very good!

I read this book in just a few sittings. Even though it is a historical novel, it is very easy to read. The Elizabethan era came to life with the human element that the author added. I would recommend this to anyone who loves history.

The author casts a fictional character, Hannah Verde, among a cast of historical character, the Protestant Elizabeth the First and the Catholic Mary Tudor, both daughers of Henry VIII. The Princesses are fueding against each other for the title of Queen of England. Hannah is sent to spy on the princesses but soon becomes loyal to both for different reasons. Hannah also has an internal stuggle between the independent woman she wants to become and the woman she thinks her betrothed wants her to be. All the while she must keep her family's Jewish heritage a secret for fear of persecution in a unstable England.

This book was the most worthy indulgences I've ever allowed myself. I prefer historical novels with main characters who are actually historical figures but Gregory did this with the utmost integrity. Very fulfilling.

Superbly written! Historical fiction at its best! From the first page, it is so hard to put down!

Loved loved loved this one! I wanted Hannah to be real.

Great Story, well written, keeps you entertained throughout the whole book. I did not want to set it down at any point.

This book was interesting, woven in with her other books, adding to the story of the Tudors

Not quite as fabulous as the other Philippa Gregory novels. But it is a good read. Interesting reading about the possible relationship between half-sisters Mary & Elizabeth.

A wonderful story completed with a historical back drop. The author makes learning history fun.

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