I LOVE THIS STORY

Last year I discovered Susanna Kearsley's pen and since then I have been in love with her, so far I have only read three of her stories, but rest assured I will get to the rest.

This book as is the author's trademark is full of historical research, but despite the great detail she tells the story moving so seamlessly from fictional to factual, the reading flows as fast as ever.

I love how it transports me back to that Scotland of yesteryear and all that Royal Court movement, it has such atmospheric writing it's amazing.

Phoebe and Andrew have been amazing characters, the whole journey they take between secrets and dangers that are tied in with the whole crown thing.

The historical drama, romance and mystery are always a winning mix for me and make the pace never let up.

Now yes, on to Kearsley's backlist, because I love her pen,

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing such an amazing ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

In 1613, King James sends messenger Andrew Logan to Scotland with secret orders to arrest Sir David Moray, suspected of poisoning the late Prince Henry. Andrew, who must hide his Second Sight to stay alive, is accompanied by a court scrivener and his daughter Phoebe. Andrew is meant to frame Sir David for Prince Henry's murder but is unwilling to betray an innocent man. Phoebe Westaway dislikes Andrew, and their history makes it hard for her to trust him. But as their journey draws them deeper into the dark web of court intrigue, they might need the King's Messenger and his unusual gifts to stay alive.

We have a list of characters, as some are purely fictional and some are historical. King James is absolutely historical and had been paranoid of anyone who might have disparaged him or otherwise made him look bad. He believes Sir David Moray must be involved when rumors say Prince Henry died of poison and an old beggar seems to carry the late prince's words to the queen. Andrew is sent to secure him for the king, even though he is innocent and the king wants someone to blame. It's blatantly obvious to anyone who knows court politics, but Andrew is bound to follow the king's commands. David's extended family is planning to free him and would think nothing of killing Andrew. Phoebe is alone because her father is older and won't admit to weakness; the four of them are joined by a stable boy to help care for the horses which will be easy to find on the road from Scotland to England.

Phoebe never had much of a positive view of Andrew, though it grew worse when Andrew seemed at odds with the nobleman that Phoebe hoped to marry someday. She takes almost anything he does or says in the most negative light, putting them at odds constantly. Forced together and with strangers assuming they're married, Phoebe is forced to see Andrew in a different light. We also see glimpses into the lives that the royals and nobles had lived through David's stories about the late prince and the expectations of his own family.

This was my first Susanna Kearsley book and I'm shocked I haven't found her sooner. Lovers of historical fiction will happily fall into this meticulously wrought and crafted story. I was most impressed at the way Kearsley anchors her readers in the story, effectively using period appropriate language that only served to elevate the story and not bog it down in what might be considered otherwise archaic speech. There are moments of breathtaking intensity between Logan and Phoebe, who begin as rivals but grow into something more along the journey. I was immersed in the story and atmosphere and invested in each of our main characters. Highly recommended.

I was once again swept away and utterly captivated by a Susanna Kearsley story!

A perfect blending of historically accurate events and real people with the fictional. Full of rich history, vivid settings, deeply developed characters and a bit of magic, I did not want this story to end.

Please make sure you read the authors note about the characters at the end. I’m amazed by the amount of research, and found myself quite emotional learning of all the intricate ways this story met reality.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the chance to review an advance copy. I know I will come back to this book again and again.

This book was well-written and entertaining. It was a quick, fast-paced read and I enjoyed it, though I would have liked there to have been more depth and complexity.

The story takes place almost entirely on a journey to Scotland where the King’s Messenger has been sent on a mission. King Jame’s son, Prince Henry, has recently died under suspicious circumstances. His advisor/closest friend is Sir David Moray, whom he trusted more than anyone else and has been with him most of his life, up until his death at age 18. Moray is soon to be in Scotland, and the king wants him brought back to London so he can be questioned (or blamed?) about the death.

Andrew Logan, one of the King’s Messengers, and Laurence Westaway, the king’s scrivener, have been specially chosen for this duty. Because Laurence is not well, his daughter, Phoebe, will accompany them to Scotland and back. Phoebe and Andrew do not like each other, but as in all good books, their relationship will evolve from dislike to curiosity to admiration and finally, to love.

There is an additional love story, almost as beautiful. To pass the time during their journey, a young apprentice messenger who is accompanying them is fascinated by Sir David Moray and often questions him about his life serving the prince. As the journey unfolds, Moray tells about a woman he fell in love with, but never married. Sir David Moray is an absolute gem—a man of honor and bravery.

There are fictional characters and real life characters. Some of my favorite characters from her past books make an appearance too.

One of the things I love about Susanna Kearsley books is how she includes the story of people from the past who are often ignored or seen only as background “fillers” by historians and writers. In this book, she used Phoebe and Andrew to represent some of these people. Reading the Authors Notes at the end of the book was poignant and inspiring, as well as eye opening (actually, almost shocking).

This book will appeal to readers who are interested in the romance from the story. Other readers will appreciate learning about King James, Queen Anna, Prince Henry and the other real life characters of the time. I found all of it fascinating.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I loved it so much, I purchased my own copy today. So, obviously, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheKingsMessenger #NetGalley

Interesting and well-researched historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural. I found the relationship between the two romantic leads to be choppy and rushed, though.

I loved every page of this book. This is my first Susanna Kearsley novel, but if they’re all this good, I’m a fan for life!
The historical period (1613-1614) isn’t one I’m really familiar with. I enjoyed the setting and learning more about King James. I LOVED the main characters—especially Andrew since I’m a girl who likes the strong, silent type. Somehow, the author throws a curve in the first couple of pages, and you spend the first half of the book figuring out which character is good, and which one is really the bad guy. The story kept me guessing, and I loved the aspect of second sight because it made me think I knew what was going to happen—but I was wrong every time!
I devoured this book in just a couple of days. I highly recommend it if you love Susanna, or if you’re like me and have no clue! The King’s Messenger does not disappoint.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book reminded me why I love Susanna Kearsley. Her books take their sweet time and at first may appear very understated. But every little detail - a glance, a tone, an off-hand comment - it all means something. It just feels so decadent and rich.
I loved all five characters: Andrew the messenger, Westaway the scrivener, Phoebe his daughter, David the prisoner, and Hector the boy.
At the beginning, Andrew and Phoebe thought they hated each other. Along the journey, they realized that they were wrong. We watched them go from enemies to finally lovers, and everything inbetween.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

The King’s Messenger is a thoughtful, richly detailed historical novel set in the early years of King James’s rule over a newly united England and Scotland. When Prince Henry dies suddenly, whispers of poison ripple through the court, and the King dispatches his trusted messenger, Andrew Logan, to arrest the supposed culprit in Scotland. Accompanied by scribe Laurence Westaway and his strong-willed daughter, Phoebe, the journey north is treacherous—not just in terms of physical danger, but also in the shifting dynamics between the travelers.

This one took me a while to get through. While well-written and immersive, it felt slower and quieter compared to Kearsley’s other works. The book leans more into political intrigue than romance, though the enemies-to-lovers tension between Andrew and Phoebe adds an engaging personal element. At first, I found Phoebe frustrating—her judgment of Andrew sometimes felt petty—but as the story progressed, I grew to appreciate her perspective and the dynamic between the main crew. Hector, in particular, was a great addition.

At its heart, The King’s Messenger is about integrity, truth, and honor—while also recognizing that duty and the heart don’t always align. In a world where nobility holds the power, Kearsley reminds us that history is shaped by those whose names were never recorded. Her author’s notes add another layer of depth, reinforcing the importance of telling the stories of the forgotten.

If you’re looking for an action-packed read, this might feel slow. But if you love well-researched historical fiction that immerses you in the political landscape of the time, this is a rewarding and thoughtful book.

The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating historical romance novel that weaves together the intricacies of love, loyalty, and intrigue. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century England, Kearsley’s rich, atmospheric writing transports readers into a world of political tension and personal discovery.

The story centers on the life of a young woman, who finds herself thrust into a web of royal secrets and dangers when she is entrusted with a vital mission. As the title suggests, the protagonist becomes an important messenger for the king, carrying with her more than just a message—she carries the weight of a nation’s fate. Along the way, she forms complex relationships with various characters, each bringing a unique layer to the plot. The mix of romance, suspense, and historical drama keeps the reader fully engaged as the stakes rise and the plot thickens.

Kearsley’s writing is elegant and immersive. She masterfully blends historical events with fictional elements, making the reader feel the tension of the period while also caring deeply about the characters' personal struggles. The setting is beautifully rendered, and Kearsley’s attention to detail in describing the social and political landscape of the time adds authenticity to the narrative.

The characters are richly developed, and the romance is slow-burn and tender. It is the emotional depth of the relationships, particularly the connection between the protagonist and her love interest, that truly stands out. Kearsley avoids overly dramatic tropes, instead offering a nuanced portrayal of love, duty, and sacrifice.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its pacing. While the novel builds at a deliberate, steady rate, the tension never dissipates. The plot unfolds with just the right amount of mystery, and Kearsley knows when to introduce twists to keep the reader on edge.

That being said, some readers might find the historical focus a bit dense at times, but for those who enjoy historical fiction with a well-researched backdrop, this will be a delightful journey.

Overall, The King’s Messenger is an enthralling, well-crafted tale that combines the best elements of historical romance and suspense. Susanna Kearsley delivers a story filled with emotion, history, and intrigue that will appeal to fans of the genre and anyone looking for an immersive read.

Danger, romance and court intrigue in 17th century England

Phoebe Westaway lives in a comfortable home just outside London with her father Laurence, a scrivener who works for the court of King James I of England, and her aunt Agnes. She lost her mother and siblings to the plague when she was very little and is very attached to what family she has left. The compound where Phoebe and her family lives is home to two other families who each have a member that generates powerful emotions in Phoebe...Valentine Fox, the handsome son of a wealthy family of high status who Phoebe hopes to marry, and Andrew Logan, from a Scottish family who moved south ten years earlier when King James was named king of England and who has assumed his late father's role as a King's Messenger. Logan regularly infuriates Phoebe, and she avoids him when she can....she holds him in very low regard (an opinion based largely on Valentine's observations and opinions) although her father and aunt believe she thinks too harshly of Logan. Logan is ordered by the King to travel to Scotland to take into his custody Sir David Moray as he returns from France (Sir David was the closest confidant of the late Prince Henry, heir to the throne, about whose death swirl unpleasant rumors). Phoebe's father is tasked with accompanying Logan on the trip, but given his worsening health Phoebe is anxious about his making the journey and insists on accompanying him. Sir David allows himself to be taken into custody with little resistance but he has many kinsmen who are intent on rescuing him, certain that he will be unjustly blamed for Prince Henry's death upon his return to court; the journey back to London will be fraught with danger. As the members of the traveling party get to know one another, many realize that much of what they have been led to believe isn't true....including Phoebe, who discovers that neither Valentine nor Logan is the man she believed each to be.
An intriguing tale of historical fiction, with unscrupulous and ambitious court members scheming to advance their positions, a King and Queen who are as often at odds with one another as not (especially when it comes to their children) and who must weigh the loyalties of all who populate their world, and of course a smart and caring (if initially naive) young woman who comes to realize that the man she has long disdained is in fact a brave and loyal man who is wrestling with the dueling interests of king and morality. The story captured my attention from its opening pages and kept it throughout, combining a fascinating look at a period in history of which I knew little with well-developed and (mostly) likable characters whose lives have intersected. Fans of author Susanna Kearsley's other books will enjoy this addition to her roster, and readers of Sharon Kay Penman, Philippa Gregory and Diana Gabaldon would be remiss if they don't add this to their TBR list. Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me access to an early copy of this well-crafted novel in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book!!
Historical fiction, political intrigue, fantasy elements, adventure and romance all wrapped up into a terrific story, set in Scotland and England in the early 1600's.

Andrew Logan, the King's Messenger, has been dispatched to Scotland to apprehend, arrest, and return Sir David Moray to the King for questioning in the death of young Prince Henry. Logan's companions for the journey are Laurence Westaway, the scribe, who will put to paper any and all comments of Sir David, Phoebe Westaway, along to aid her frail and ailing father ,and Hector, a young stable lad who joins their troupe in Scotland.

Their journey back to England is rife with danger, wraiths,and armed adversaries but also companionship, affection and humor as the days go by.

I loved the well written characters, the author's notes,the settings,the burgeoning romance between Phoebe and Andrew, and the intellect and compassion of Sir David. An awesome book!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and net galley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review the digital ARC.

The cover of this book caught my eye first and then learning the time period for the book - I was in.

We get different points of view of the story from each of the main characters, which gives more depth to the story.

The reader gets a gentle romance mixed with political intrigue and lots of adventure.

The author’s note at the end is very comprehensive and shows how much research the author did.

If you are looking for a sweet historical fiction with adventure, romance and magical realism mixed in, this book is for you.

Thanks to @netgalley and @bookmarked for the advanced reader copy.

#kingsmessenger #susannakearsley

It’s 1613 and young Prince Henry is dead; his father King James wants his son’s companion Sir David Moray arrested and brought to justice. Andrew, the king’s messenger, and a scrivener are sent to fetch David and bring him to London. Andrew however sees that his elderly neighbor, the scrivener is too weak to make such an arduous trip; but since everyone must follow the king’s orders, Andrew allows the scrivener’s daughter Phoebe to join them. The story takes the reader through their ride back to London, the chase from those who try to stop them and the relationships that form along the way.
Let me just start by saying that Kearsley’s earlier books are some of my favorites so when I saw there was a new one, I was so excited to grab it. This one took me a while to get into even though I love her light use of magical realism and history (I am sucker for the British royal history). However my issue was more with just not fully enjoying the riding scenes, not a dislike of the story. In the end I really became connected with the characters, their backstories and their relationships. I ingested the second half of the book in an afternoon. While I don’t love this one as much as her earlier ones, I really did enjoy it in the end.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC to review

The story was breathtaking, absorbing, with just the right blend of action, politics, mystery and romance. It’s impossible to put down, even the slowest readers will want to keep on reading! Andrew Logan, a King’s messenger, is tasked with bringing in Sir David Moray, Gentleman of the Robes to Prince Henry to answer for the mysterious death of young, healthy Prince Henry. It is a task that needs to be done in secret. Accompanying Andrew is Lawrence Westaway, a scrivener who is to write down everything Moray says on the journey s it can be used against him in a (likely) show trial in London. Westaway is old, and not in the best of health; his daughter Phoebe insists on coming on the journey to take care of him.Andrew and Phoebe have a fraught relationship, to say the least and it’s great fun and really rewarding to watch as over the journey to apprehend Moray and then to bring him to London, both Phoebe and Andrew learn things can be very different from what one thinks. In fact, the whole team (a young boy, Hector is added to the group early) finds that everything they thought they knew, just might not be the truth. Toss in Second Sight for Andrew, a noble “boyfriend” for Phoebe, the poetry of Moray and you have one terrific read. I knew before I opened the book that I would love it (I love all of Susanna Kearsley’s work) but The King’s Messenger is her best yet, deserving of 10 stars!

Beautifully written but did not hold my attention like other her books by this author. Too much exposition without equal story.

Well, I pretty much read this whole book in a day because it was a good day to rest and read a good book! For me, this one is five stars, and here’s why. I love any British historical fiction based on Plantagenet, Tudor, or Stuart monarchies. This book revolved around James 1 of England (and Scotland) who is an endlessly interesting subject; between the witch hunting, his crazy romantic escapades, his bible, his son who was beheaded (Charles), his wife queen, Anna of Denmark, who I just read about in another book (The Kings Witches by Kate Foster) and whom I find an awesome underrated Queen of England, and now I know about Prince Henry, their eldest son, who died at age 18. Why did I not know about this Prince of Wales who suddenly died at 18? I think the author did him a great service here, bringing him into the spotlight. I also loved the references to Mary Queen of Scots, who always fascinates me.
I also loved the love story in this book, and I rarely feel this way. The main character (the King’s messenger) was pretty much like a Jamie in outlander, and I learned so much about the role of the kings messengers which I have never read about before! Rounding out the reasons that this was a win for me, was references to Marcus Aurelius’s meditations throughout the book as well as some great calligraphy references - both areas in which I delight daily. Many many thanks to NetGalley for sending me an advanced readers copy of this well-researched book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will definitely check out more books by this author!

Prince Henry is dead.

Andrew Logan is a Messenger for the King. He has been sent to bring Prince Henry's companion Sir David back to stand trial. The King believes Prince Henry was poisoned and that Sir David is responsible.

Logan will be accompanied by a scribe and his daughter.
What starts out as a routine job ends up being very complicated for Logan. Should he follow his orders or do what is right?

I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but this one piqued my interest. I loved it! Logan is a fantastic main character. I loved the intrigue. There's a small fantastical element that was interesting. I also really enjoyed the author note at the end that told about the real Messengers. I will definitely check out more books by this author.

This was my first time reading Susanna Kearsley and I was blown away. This was such a great book that incorporated historical fiction, a touch of magic and a hint of romance. Before reading this story, I knew nothing about King James, Prince Henry or Queen Anna so this made for such an immersive and informative read for me. I enjoyed the multi-POV throughout the book as we follow along Andrew and Phoebe on their exciting journey as well as get a glimpse into Queen Anna's life. The only thing is that I wish there was a little more explanation as to the magic/paranormal element of second sight that Andrew has since there aren't any clear rules for when his gift can be used. Overall though, this was a great read that I recommend to any historical fiction fans!