Mary of Carisbrooke

“Margaret Campbell Barnes has been one of the most reliable of England’s historical novelists.”

—Chicago Tribune

A Girl, A King, and the castle that changed them both Forever...

Charles I, king of England, thought that Carisbrooke Castle would be safe, an Isle of Wight refuge far from the madding crowd of Cromwell. But Charles ran straight into the arms of betrayal, his retreat morphing to prison and his allies few and far between.

Mary, a quiet servant girl in awe of her king and country, vaults into intrigue and danger as she helps to plot the king’s escape.

A moving story of royal hopes and misfortunes, Mary of Carisbrooke is at its heart the tale of a charming girl who is as romantic and alluring as she is smart and bold. Loyal to herself and to the Crown, Mary’s brush with history reveals just how quickly fate can shift the paths of power.

Praise for Margaret Campbell Barnes

“Barnes vividly depicts Anne’s hopes and fears in an age where royal marriages were brokered like a cattle fair, and beheading could befall even a Queen.”

—Publishers Weekly on Brief Gaudy Hour

“Rich in detail and flows beautifully, letting readers escape into Anne’s court and country life. It is a must read for those who love exploring the dynamic relationships of Henry VIII and his wives.”

—Historical Novels Review on My Lady of Cleves