Biographies of kings and queens tend to chronicle their lives primarily as entwined with the historical and political contexts in which they lived, a focus that sometimes necessitates omitting everyday details of their personal lives. By contrast, in the early chapters of this biography, the author's inclusion of specific details concerning the food, clothing, entourages, activities, and festivities in the life of Margaret Tudor leave a colorful impression. At times, the beginning chapters read like a romance novel, complete with descriptions of Margaret's luxurious trousseau and a full record of the vows spoken at her betrothal by proxy. Thankfully, the author also provides a complex, nuanced portrait of the political scene, fraught by tensions, conflicts, and wars among England, France, and Scotland. We see this scene afresh from the perspective of Margaret, who at thirteen years of age was married to King James IV of Scotland, a politically motivated union intended to help broker peace between Scotland and England. In fact, however, shifting alliances and unstable relations among England, Scotland, and France often put Margaret and her brother Henry VIII at odds with one another: and Margaret's husband, James IV, was killed during one of many conflicts between England and Scotland. Following an ill-considered second marriage, Margaret, who began life in the lap of luxury, endured hard years filled with unfaithfulness in the men she loved, painful separations from her children, and financial difficulties occasioned by schemes to deprive her of her rightful income.The course of her life and legacy is well presented in this biography.

– Cynthia Haller, Educator at York College, City University of New York

Margaret's story starts off with a mundane feel, but the author, Sarah-Beth Watkins, reminds the reader that Margaret is a Tudor and so, of course, Margaret's story is going to be full of drama—guaranteed!Watkins does not disappoint. She shows Margaret's good intentions, poor taste in men, and exciting intrigue.At times, it is hard to side with our heroine, but the reader will feel sorry for her. But when all the shady characters and conspiracies meet, the reader is led to a satisfying finish and will conclude that Margaret was a remarkable woman, whose fight for her family's future was worth it.

– Sarah Patten, herstoryline.com