Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this eCopy to review

From the moment I turned the first page of The House of Seymour, I was utterly transported to the turbulent world of 15th-century England. Joanna Hickson masterfully weaves a tale of power, resilience, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of ambition.

The story follows Isabel Williams, a young woman betrothed to John Seymour, Lord of Wolf Hall Manor. Isabel hopes for love and respect in her marriage, but she soon discovers John’s ruthless ambition. Meanwhile, Jess the shepherdess, fiercely independent and dismissing societal expectations, finds herself accused of a crime and forced to flee. Isabel offers her refuge within the growing Seymour household, but as John’s hunger for power draws them into the divided court of King Henry VI, his relentless pursuit of success takes a darker turn. Isabel realises that her husband will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even if it means betraying those closest to him.

Hickson’s storytelling is rich and immersive, bringing historical figures to life with depth and emotional resonance. Isabel’s journey is both heart breaking and inspiring, as she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics and personal survival. Jess, with her defiant spirit, adds a compelling contrast to the narrative, making their intertwined fates all the more gripping.

The novel’s pacing is perfectly balanced, with moments of quiet reflection interspersed with high-stakes drama. Hickson’s attention to historical detail is impeccable, painting a vivid picture of the era without overwhelming the reader. The themes of female resilience, power struggles, and moral dilemmas resonate deeply, making this a standout historical fiction novel.

Hickson delivers a compelling, emotionally charged story that lingers long after the final page. If you’re looking for a novel that combines historical intrigue, personal sacrifice, and gripping storytelling, this is it.

This is the start of a trilogy showing the rise of the Seymour family. Although the story starts wih Queen Jane giving birth to her son this part is really going back 100 years before this to Jane's french grandmother, Isabel, and her life. This was a period where women had a tough time and life was cetainly not easy for them to stand up for themselves. Jess, the shepherdess, however is shown as having strength and being able to assert herself more than most.This was an interesting period of history where nobles were scheming for power which also bought them money but at times this power was there undoing as they bcame noticed by others who were jealous of their positions, especially at court.
I found this a slow start as it was placing all the characters and situations into place.

Of course it took some pages for the story get out of first gear as it is a new series but, when it did, it was a really interesting story made up of lots of genuinely interesting and well interlaced threads.

Loved the way that the ladies and girls of the tale mostly stood up for themselves mostly "behind the scenes" but I think they did a great job and I am most definitely male!

This sort of story always makes me wonder how many ladies of that time and up until the start of the 20th Century actually managed to "cock a snook" at their men and do what they wanted to do rather than what society did its best to force them to do?? Just as well some did manage to do what they wanted or we would be in a bigger mess today.

What I am suggesting is that The House of Seymour series is going to be a very worthwhile read and I commend it to you.

Isabel is the daughter of a well-to-do merchant but her engagement is broken when a young member of the gentry proposes and her father sees a way for advancement. Isabel doesn't particularly like her husband but accepts her lot and becomes the mistress of a hunting lodge in the Savernake Forest. Her husband John Seymour is ambitious and begins to ingratiate himself with Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, the uncle of the boy king Henry VI. Jess is a female shepherd who is accused of being a witch after her intended Addy disappears but she finds refuge at Wolf Hall with Isabel.
This is very light historical fiction but that is no bad thing. I really liked the setting for this novel during the childhood of Henry VI and the background of the Hundred Years War. The author introduces Catherine de Valois and hints at the future scandal of her relationship with Owen Tudor. The plot meanders along and is obviously well-researched. It's not demanding to read but is entertaining.

What a fabulous insight into the Jane Seymour story. The story begins with Queen Jane preparing for the birth of her baby hopefully a Prince. A coat of arms has been designed for her personal use. The design incorporates royal arms of England and France along with the Beauchamp coat of arms but Jane is upset as there is no acknowledgment of her grandmother. This begins the story of grandmother Isabel. A likeable character, Isabel is married to John Seymour a very unlikeable character who is ruthless and ambitious. Isabel’s marriage was arranged by her equally ambitious father. After the death of John’s father the couple move into Wolf Hall and John becomes the warden of Savernake Forest. Alongside Isabel’s story we are introduced to Jess a local shepherdess caring for her father’s flock. One day during a bad storm a young man called Addy offers to help Jess tend her flock in return for shelter from the storm. Addy is revealed as a distant relative of Jess. When Jess is forced to leave her family farm she becomes acquainted with Isabel Seymour and an unlikely but strong friendship forms. I have read several of Joanna Hickson’s books and thoroughly enjoyed them all. So although I was disappointed when this book ended quite abruptly I feel that it’s an introduction for the second and third books in the trilogy. I eagerly await their publication to continue with the Seymour history. My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins publishers for an E-arc

I absolutely loved this book! As the first in a new trilogy, The House of Seymour totally drew me in from the start.

Isabel’s story is compelling and full of emotional depth. Her marriage to the cold and power-hungry John Seymour is anything but a fairy tale, and watching her navigate that world — while trying to hold onto her strength and sense of self — had me hooked. And then there's Jess, the shepherdess, who’s just brilliant. She’s tough, independent, and adds a whole other layer to the story. I loved how the two women’s lives slowly intertwine.

The writing is beautifully descriptive without ever dragging, and the historical setting is rich and vivid. I couldn’t put it down — every chapter left me wanting more. It’s one of those books that stays with you after you’ve finished the last page. I honestly can’t wait to read the next in the series!

This first book in a proposed new trilogy introduces us to the Seymour family whose manor at Wolf Hall was to be their main residence in Wiltshire. It is here, in 1425, where we get know John Seymour, newly elevated to the title of Lord of the Manor, his young wife Isabel, and his younger brother, Edmund Seymour. John is ambitious and determined to rise through the ranks by securing the patronage of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, who is protector to the young King, Henry VI. Alongside the Seymour story we get to meet Jess, who as a female shepherdess is forced to flee her family farm near Avebury where she comes into come into contact with Isabel Seymour at the nearby Easton Priory and so the connection between these two strong woman is forged.

This is an interesting glimpse into the history of England in the fifteenth century, particularly the political situation concerning the protectorship of the young King during a time when England was still caught up in the Hundred Years War with France and of the scheming which surrounded John Seymour’s elevation to the peerage. I enjoyed the detailed description of life at Wolf Hall with Isabel, whose married life with John Seymour was not an easy one, but Isabel’s spirit shines throughout and Wolf Hall and its inhabitants comes alive in the imagination.

Well researched, the story starts slowly but gradually all the pieces start to fit together and a strong story about the early beginnings of the Seymour family, whose connection to the Crown, over a hundred years later, is culminated by the marriage, in 1536, of Jane Seymour to King Henry VIII. The House of Seymour leads us into a very different England with an important family who would shape their own destiny for years to come

I really enjoy historical fiction, and this period so I was very excited to read this. I loved it in all honesty. This is - as expected- about the Seymour’s rise.

The story writing is fantastic- you really do get swept up. Isabel is such a strong character and I did really feel for her all throughout the story - and it is such an interesting story.

I have read two of Joanna’s previous books already- the Queen’s of the Tower series - which I strongly recommend.. I really should pick up some more by her….

My thanks to Netgalley and HarperFiction for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this, I love historical fiction, but sadly this was not for me.

Every single man in this book is a pig with the exception of Edmund. And yes, I'm including Addy in my list of disappointing men. They are all horrible, John most of all and it was hard to enjoy a book when I disliked the majority of the characters.

This just didn't read like historical fiction to me. The characters voices sounded too modern and just 'off' for what was meant to be the 1400's. The men were ready to raise fists at their women for anything which was more realistic considering how they viewed women, but many of the women had views which did not sit easy in the time. Its hard to believe the Lady of the house for example, would be so opposed to hunting on moral grounds. All of Jess' story was hard to swallow for similar reasons. Seeing some historical figures I knew at the height of their powers, knowing what would happen to them was interesting, as well seeing the writers version of them.

It was very disjointed. I am aware that this is a planned trilogy, but for a whole book we followed Jess without ever really understanding why. I kept expecting her story to tie back in with the Seymour's but it never happened. The ending was abrupt and unsatisfying, but I will not be picking up the next one.

A great historical book setting the scene for the rise of the Seymour family that ultimately culminated in Jane Seymour being crowned Queen of England during the Tudor era. It was good to go back to the beginning and read John and Isabel (nee Williams) Seymour's story. It also talks about the original Wolf Hall which was interesting.

As a lifelong fan of Tudor stories, I was looking forward to finding out some of the Seymour family backstory. The prologue even opens with Jane Seymour looking at her proposed crest and thinking about forgotten "common" female ancestors. I found the ultimate exposition of that backstory rather underwhelming, though. I kept expecting for a big reveal about someone's character or destiny, but there was nothing unexpected at the end. I also kept waiting for the stories of Jess the shepherd and Isabel Seymour to interact in a way that would deeply affect the fate of the Seymour family or the estate, but again, it just kind of fizzled out. Overall, I loved the idea, but didn't find the execution as enlightening as I'd hoped.

Although the social conditions were interesting in this novel and the characters were pleasant enough, I did not feel the pull of the historical tale as I have in previous books I have read by Joanna Hickson. Sadly, it felt somewhat lacking for me, but it was readable.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Joanna Hickson/HarperCollins UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

An unusual and very measured introduction to the history of the Seymour family.
Queen Jane is awaiting the birth of the long anticipated Prince of England. She is shown a coat of arms designed for her own personal use. The Royal arms of England and France, the Seymour badge of joined golden wings, the Beauchamp coat of arms, from marriage, but no reference of her grandmother, as she was not of noble birth. We are then introduced to that grandmother, Isabel Williams, born in Bristol, her father was an exporter of cloth to Ireland, and he imported wine from Andalusia. These riches were invested into property in Bristol.
Through his business contacts, he arranges a marriage to a young John Seymour, who has expectations of running the large family estate in Somerset.
Upon their marriage, they move to Hatch Beauchamp, later, following the death of John’s father, they move to Wolf Hall as John takes over the Wardenship of Savernake Forest.
Running in parallel to the main story, we meet Jess, who looks after her father’s flock. She is distrusted by the locals as she misses church due to lambing needs and also wears trousers and other male garments. There are whispers of Witchcraft due to the family living close to the stone circles at Avebury, in Wiltshire. One day, a young man begs shelter from a storm, his name is Adhelm or Addy, he has aspirations to be an archer, but is willing to learn how to be a shepherd, he becomes rather taken with Jess and her quiet way of life.
These two different stories collide, as both Jess and Addy end up at Wolf Hall, where they are offered employment and have a front row seat to all the political machinations that are part of the Seymour story.
Set against the background of war with France, the wool trade, fights over a young boy King, and political reforms over voting rights, John Seymour puts family advantages first, without considering if and how these decisions could affect his family. Can Isabel keep her family safe from powerful parties at Court?.
The first of a planned trilogy, starts off quite slowly as we are gradually introduced to the central characters, it is a slow burner, but there is so much research evidently done, but carefully used, it doesn’t read like like a dry history lesson. The Seymour men seem to have been rather self absorbed, wilful, hot tempered and occupied with ideas of titles and advancement at Court, whether by deeds in battle, or knowing the right way to jump.
I liked the political themes, the voting rights issue was an eye opener, the story of our essential wool trade and how the war with the French affected farmers and others in that business was well explained. I like the character of Isabel, and her efforts to keep the peace at home, not an easy job.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series, it promises to be a very good read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers HarperCollinsUK for my advanced read, freely given in return for my honest review. A 4 star rating. I will leave copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

It was interesting to see Jane Seymour’s ancestors, and I’m interested in reading the rest of the series.
But, this novel feels a little disjointed by itself, with no real ending.

An enjoyable read and I would read the next in the series. The book highlighted the lives of people in the 15th century and the danger of religious suspicion. I couldn’t read the chapter about the wolf hunt , especially as it was a means to John Seymour’s ambitions.

A pleasant novel! Some details about social conditions in the 15th century were really interesting. The characters were likable and also relatable. The novel reveals a light story which proved pretty predictable. The end is a cliff hanger which is understandable since this is book one in a series of three novels. Overall, a nice and easy read.
I have received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

Slow to get into at first and It took 42% of the book to connect the two side by side stories together,
Once that happened the book did vastly improve.
Had not read any books by Joanna Hickson before, and I am to believe this is part of a trilogy - which would explain the ending.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would definitely read another book by the author.

The House of Seymour by Joanna Hickson is historical fiction, set in fifteenth century England and tells the stories of two women with very different lives. Isabel Williams is the daughter of an ambitious business man who marries her off to John Seymour, Lord of Wolf Hall Manor and a man whose ambition is only slightly greater than his callousness and cruelty, not just to Isabel but to every one around him. Jess is a shepherdess, a young woman doing a job usually done by men, and this marks her out in her small minded community as someone different, perhaps even dangerous, perhaps even a witch, a rumour that his not helped by her choice of canine companion. The two women form an unlikely friendship but one that lasts.
This is something of a strange one, the book is described as book one of a trilogy, but even with that in mind the ending is far too abrupt and I found it rather unsatisfying. It did not wrap things up well enough to work as a stand alone and yet it did not leave me excited to read the next book. I enjoy historical fiction and I think the author did a good job of depicting the period in a way that will bring it to life for the reader. I thought the explorations of the dangers that women faced was really well handled, but I struggled to connect with the characters and that made me less invested in their stories than I had hoped which made the pacing of an already slow book feel even slower. I have read other books from this author and enjoyed them much more but this one did not work so well for me.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Jess and Isabela born same era different backgrounds but there's a connection or there will be. A Shepherdess and a Lady of the manor

When a distant cousin arrives Jess's life changes but not as much as when he goes. Isabela life changes when she marries John Seymour to see how well it's a wonderful book to read and discover with twist and turns from beginning to m to the end where actions have consequences but not always predictable.. This game from 2 sides of the track is intriguing as well as historical the young King Henry VI sits on the throne but under the guiding hand of his Uncle the Lord Glouster his Protector

This is an interesting tale a wonderful read and I want to highly recommend it to you. There are great characters some not so wonderful that you'll want to hate or dislike. But the 2 hero's you will love every page.brings then closer to your heart, 2 great characters, plus plenty more to follow if you like historical sagas you'll love this it fantastic.

This is a sublime historical fiction read from Hickson. I enjoyed reading about the earlier members of the Seymour family, people I had not read much about before so it was interesting learning about their lives. Isabel proves to be a remarkable woman who is incredibly strong during very tough times. As always with Hickson I thought the people were brought to life brilliantly and even though we might know their ending, this was still a gripping read.
I also thought the characters that Hickson has imagined are excellent and based on possible people and lives that would have existed. Initially I was unclear why Jess had been included so prominently but I ended up really liking her and her story with Addy brought some added warmth to the read.
Another area where Hickson excels is evoking the time. It was like I was transported back to the fifteenth century with the characters, everything felt so real.
I really loved this read and cannot wait for another read from Hickson.