The Chalice - now available in the UK!

The Chalice
by Nancy Bilyeau

Paperback Publication Date: February 13, 2014
Orion Publishing
Paperback; 432p
ISBN-13: 978-1409135807

Series: Joanna Stafford, Book Two
Genre: Historical Mystery

A curse to kill a king, a fight to save a nation. Follow young Joanna Stafford right into the dark heart of King Henry VIII's court in this stunning Tudor thriller.

England, 1538. The nation is reeling after the ruthless dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII.

Cast out of Dartford Priory, Joanna Stafford - feisty, courageous, but scarred by her recent encounter with rebellion at court - is trying to live a quiet life with her five-year-old charge, Arthur. But family connections draw her dangerously close to a treasonous plot and, repelled by violence and the whispered conspiracies around her, Joanna seeks a life with a man who loves her. But, no matter how hard she tries, she cannot escape the spreading darkness of her destiny. She must make a choice between those she cares for most, and taking her part in a mysterious prophecy foretold by three compelling seers.

Joanna embarks upon a testing journey, and, as she deciphers the meaning at the core of the prophecy, she learns that the fate of a king and the freedom of a nation rest in her hands.

You can read my review of The Chalice HERE.

Praise for The Chalice
"Expect treason, treachery, martyrs and more." — Choice magazine

"A time in which no one at all can be trusted and everyday life is laced with horror. Bilyeau paints this picture very, very well." — Reviewing the Evidence

"Bilyeau creates the atmosphere of 1530s London superbly." — Catholic Herald

"Bilyeau continues from her first novel the subtle, complex development of Joanna Stafford's character and combines that with a fast-paced, unexpected plot to hold the reader's interest on every page. — Historical Novel Society

"Joanna Stafford is a young novice caught up in power struggles familiar to readers of Hilary Mantel and C.J. Sansom, but with elements of magic that echo the historical thrillers of Kate Mosse." — S.J. PARRIS, author of HERESY, PROPHECY, AND SACRILEGE

"Second in this compelling and highly readable Tudor thriller series following the 16th century adventures of (now cast out) nun Joanna Stafford. Treason, conspiracies and a dangerous prophecy draw Joanna back from the quiet life she had made for herself after being cast out of Dartford Priory - but she isn’t prepared for the gravity of the situation she finds herself in or the responsibility she now holds. Nancy Bilyeau has followed up her impressive debut with an accomplished historical thriller perfect for fans of C. J. Sansom, Philippa Gregory and S. J. Parris." — Lovereading UK

“Sharply observed, cleverly paced and sympathetically written, this book more than fulfils the promise of THE CROWN, itself named as last year's most impressive debut novel by the CWA Ellis Peters judges. If Joanna Stafford is to return to see out the final years of Henry's tempestuous reign and the accession of his Catholic daughter Mary, I am sure I will not be alone in waiting eagerly for her.” — crimereview.co.uk

“A stunning debut. One of the best historical novels I have ever read — ALISON WEIR

THE CHALICE offers a fresh, dynamic look into Tudor England's most powerful, volatile personalities: Henry VIII, the Duke of Norfolk, Stephen Gardiner and Bloody Mary Tudor. Heroine and former nun Joanna Stafford is beautiful, bold and in lethal danger. Bilyeau writes compellingly of people and places that demand your attention and don't let you go even after the last exciting page” — KAREN HARPER, bestselling author of MISTRESS OF MOURNING

“Rarely have the terrors of Henry VIII's reformation been so exciting. Court intrigue, bloody executions, and haunting emotional entanglements create a heady brew of mystery and adventure that sweeps us from the devastation of the ransacked cloisters to the dangerous spy centers of London and the Low Countries, as ex-novice Joanna Stafford fights to save her way of life and fulfill an ancient prophecy, before everything she loves is destroyed.” — C.W. GORTNER, author of THE QUEEN'S VOW

“Bilyeau paints a moving portrait of Catholicism during the Reformation and of reclusive, spiritual people adjusting to the world outside the cloister. This intriguing and suspenseful historical novel pairs well with C. J. Sansom's Dissolution (2003) and has the insightful feminine perspective of Brenda Rickman Vantrease's The Heretic's Wife (2010).” — BOOKLIST

“As in The Crown, Bilyeau's writing style means that the story reads almost flawlessly. The narrative really makes the reader throw themselves into the story, and makes it so the book is really difficult to put down. I was really very impressed with Bilyeau's writing (As I was in The Crown), and honestly can't recommend this book highly enough.” — LOYALTY BINDS ME

“THE CHALICE is a compelling and pacey time machine to the 16th Century. And when you're returned to the present, you'll have enjoyed an adventure and gained a new perspective on a past you'd wrongly thought to be a done deal.” — Andrew Pyper, author of THE DEMONOLOGIST

“The Chalice is a gripping, tightly-plotted mystery, with a beguiling heroine at its heart, that vividly conjures up the complex dangers of Reformation England. Bilyeau's deftness of touch and complete control over her complex material make for a truly exciting and compelling read.”— ELIZABETH FREMANTLE author of QUEEN'S GAMBIT

“THE CHALICE is brimming with sinister portents, twisted allegiances, religious superstition and political intrigue. It's a darkly fascinating Tudor brew that leaves you thirsting for more.” — PATRICIA BRACEWELL, author of SHADOW ON THE CROWN

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About the Author
Nancy Bilyeau has worked on the staffs of InStyle, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Ladies Home Journal. She is currently the executive editor of DuJour magazine. Her screenplays have placed in several prominent industry competitions. Two scripts reached the semi-finalist round of the Nicholl Fellowships of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Her screenplay "Zenobia" placed with the American Zoetrope competition, and "Loving Marys" reached the finalist stage of Scriptapalooza. A native of the Midwest, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. THE CROWN, her first novel, was published in 2012; the sequel, THE CHALICE, followed in 2013.

Some earlier milestones: In 1661, Nancy's ancestor, Pierre Billiou, emigrated from France to what was then New Amsterdam when he and his family sailed on the St. Jean de Baptiste to escape persecution for their Protestant beliefs. Pierre built the first stone house on Staten Island and is considered the borough's founder. His little white house is on the national register of historic homes and is still standing to this day.

Nancy lives in New York City with her husband and two children.

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Nancy Bilyeau Gives an Inside Peek Behind THE CHALICE

Book Blast Schedule
Monday, February 17
Mari Reads
Book Drunkard
Closed the Cover
Historical Tapestry
Royalty Free Fiction
Passages to the Past
Just One More Chapter

Tuesday, February 18
Princess of Eboli
Words and Peace
Big Book, Little Book
Curling Up By the Fire
Peeking Between the Pages
Oh, For the Hook of a Book
Historical Fiction Obsession

Wednesday, February 19
Broken Teepee
Kincavel Korner
A Bookish Affair
CelticLady's Reviews
The True Book Addict
Teresa's Reading Corner

Thursday, February 20
Drey's Library
Booktalk & More
Must Read Faster
Reading the Ages
The Maiden's Court
Historical Fiction Connection
Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews

Friday, February 21
HF Book Muse-News
On the Tudor Trail
Flashlight Commentary
Ageless Pages Reviews
Muse in the Fog Book Reviews
Confessions of an Avid Reader

2013

I'm a little late with sharing some favorites of 2013 this go-around, but I can't let the opportunity pass by to revisit some of my favorite things. :) This post is going to be limited to favorite books, though, since my movie and television blogging was fairly non-existent, particularly for the latter half of the year. Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite reads from 2013.

• A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr (The Staff & the Sword #1)
• The Passing Bells by Phillip Rock (The Greville Family Saga #1)
• Love in a Broken Vessel by Mesu Andrews
• The Red Plague Affair by Lilith Saintcrow (Bannon & Clare #2)
• Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (His Fair Assassin #1)
• Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell
• The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau
• The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile by C.W. Gortner
• Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering (A Drew Farthering Mystery #1)
• A Study in Darkness by Emma Jane Holloway (The Baskerville Affair #2)

2013 held its share of challenges (losing my grandmother and my dad's surgery for prostate cancer), resulting in rather sporadic blogging (though I still managed to write a record 80 book reviews!), I want to thank all of you for sticking with me and sharing your prayers and good thoughts, whether in comments, e-mails, or Facebook messages! I've been terribly remiss about sharing updates here, mainly because I tend to view this corner of the blogosphere as my escape from "reality," but I didn't want to get too far into the new year without sharing my thanks. Dad continues to do REALLY well, praise God! :)

Looking forward, I'd REALLY like to reactivate the entertainment portion of my blogging endeavors, but I'm reluctant to make any promises (they are SO time consuming to write...probably because I go on and on and ON), as blogging challenges and I tend to implode spectacularly. *wink* The first test of that resolution is going to be the return of Downton Abbey THIS SUNDAY. I can't promise to have recap posts up by Monday...but if you're patient with me the following week, let's see how this goes, hmmm? 

Reading-wise, as I exceeded my 75-count Goodreads challenge for 2013 (so what if there were about twenty novellas and e-book shorts in that count...they COUNT right??? *wink*), I signed up for 90 this year -- and would love to finally hit that elusive triple-digit mark. We'll see how that goes, hmm? (And if you're on Goodreads and we haven't connected there yet, please send me a friend request!)

A very happy new year to one and all! And thanks again for reading Booktalk & More.

Review: The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau

The Chalice
By: Nancy Bilyeau
Publisher: Touchstone
ISBN: 978-1-4767-0865-2

Review:

With the dissolution of Dartford Priory (detailed in Bilyeau's previous novel, The Crown), erstwhile novice Joanna Stafford is left reeling, stripped of her livelihood and calling in one devastating blow. With the Catholic Church out of favor, Joanna and her fellow sisters -- including the apothecary Brother Edmund -- live as veritable outcasts in the town of Dartford, shunned by those seeking to ride the ever-changing wave of the king's views on faith and the church. Determined to never again become a pawn in the schemes of powerful men like the wily Bishop Gardiner, Joanna seizes the chance to re-take control of her once well-ordered life. She makes plans to start a tapestry business, determined to stay true to the precepts of her beloved religious order in both word and deed. But this daughter of nobility is haunted by everything she's lost, and the eerie remembrance of a seer's promise that her life possesses a purpose inexorably entwined with everything she's learned to hate and fear -- the court and those in it determined to advance their own agenda, no matter how dangerous or destructive.

When her cousin Henry Courtenay, the powerful Marquess of Exeter, and his wife Gertrude appear in Dartford, begging Joanna for a visit, she agrees, little dreaming that by allying herself with the Courtenays she draws ever closer to the epicenter of a plot determined to bring Henry VIII to his knees and restore the true Catholic faith to England. Although Joanna assiduously strives to bury the horrific memory of disgraced and executed Sister Elizabeth Barton's claim that she is inextricably tied to the very future of England, Gertrude becomes obsessed with Joanna's alleged prophetic role in restoring England as a Catholic nation or risking Henry -- now on the hunt for his fourth wife -- securing reformist rule with the birth of a second prince. Grieving the once-bright promise of her lost life at Dartford Priory, Joanna is tempted to agree -- but fears the repercussions of associating herself with those who dabble in forbidden sorcery. Caught up in an intricate web engineered by power-hungry foreign kings, Joanna finds herself at a crossroads -- accept the prophecy and become its pawn, or embrace the uncertainty of her future and follow the dictates of her conscience, no matter the cost. And on her decision and resolve rests no less than the future of a nation and the very life of its king...

The Chalice was tasked with following an amazing predecessor, as The Crown is one of the best books I've read this year and one of the best debuts I've read, ever. And on balance, Bilyeau's sophomore offering delivers. She continues to illuminate lesser-known corners of Tudor England's history -- as through Joanna's eyes, we stand witness to the utter devastation that comes from the destruction of an entire way of life built on a faith and its practices centuries old. Where in The Crown Joanna's priory was still intact, and as a result the events of her search for the legendary Athelstan crown felt relatively contained, in The Chalice the protective boundaries surrounding Joanna's life have been stripped away, leaving her more vulnerable than ever to the pull of the aristocratic life she had once forsworn.

I'm left with mixed feelings about Joanna's character arc following this installment. Where her initial introduction showcased a vibrant, determined, intelligent woman of faith, here Joanna is anchor-less and understandably angry -- an anger that oft-times blinds her to sound advice, leaving her vulnerable to the negative affects of foolish, willful pride. While Bilyeau does an excellent job articulating Joanna's completely understandable grief, anger, and frustration at being forced to make a life for herself without the guidance of the conviction and rule of a monastic life, I wish it had been balanced with a bit more of the savvy survival skills she exhibits while still a novice. Her repeated rejection of help, familial or otherwise, particularly when offered by the (utterly irresistible) Geoffrey Scovill was grating at best and infuriating at worst. But while Joanna may have been maddening, the delicious, unrequited tension Geoffrey possesses for her -- and her maddening denial of the same -- powerfully speaks to Bilyeau's ability to pen fiery, memorable characters.

The Chalice is saturated with the history of the time period, gracefully illuminating the tension between the Catholic "old guard" and the heady pull of reform faith. Neither side is perfect or blameless, and Bilyeau does a masterful job of articulating the passionately held beliefs on each side of the religious schism threatening to split England in two. Joanna's second "quest" is every bit as fascinating and historically detailed as her first, but lacks some of the focus and intensity that characterized her search for the Athelstan crown. While Joanna's attempts to understand the prophecy that has haunted her life makes for compelling reading, it isn't until the novel's final act that the role of the chalice is revealed. The premise, particularly in how it is tied to Henry's unhappy union with Anne of Cleves, is a fascinating one, and the perfect illustration of Bilyeau's mastery in weaving fact and fiction. I just wish there had been some way to balance the mystery of the prophecies with the intrigue and political machinations surrounding Henry's fourth marriage.

Though The Chalice didn't have quite the level of finesse present in its sterling predecessor, it is nonetheless a worthy follow-up to Joanna and her search to find place and fulfillment in a world that, by her standards, has gone mad. A slow-burning thriller rich in atmosphere and historical detail, Bilyeau has a gift for bringing the attitudes and mores of the time period to vibrant life. Joanna's world is peppered with characters both fascinating and maddening in turns, but always sharply realized on the page. Joanna and her dangerous dance between forces both secular and religious is an intoxicating formula. Coupled with Bilyeau's sterling research and undeniable affinity for the time period, The Chalice is a satisfying entry in Joanna's life that leaves me more anxious than ever for the next glimpse -- its sequel (and with it, hopefully more page time for the heartbreaking Geoffrey!) cannot come quickly enough!

About the book:

In the midst of England’s Reformation, a young novice will risk everything to defy the most powerful men of her era.

In 1538, England’s bloody power struggle between crown and cross threatens to tear the country apart. Novice Joanna Stafford has tasted the wrath of the royal court, discovered what lies within the king’s torture rooms, and escaped death at the hands of those desperate to possess the power of an ancient relic.

Even with all she has experienced, the quiet life is not for Joanna. Despite the possibilities of arrest and imprisonment, she becomes caught up in a shadowy international plot targeting Henry VIII himself. As the power plays turn vicious, Joanna realizes her role is more critical than she’d ever imagined. She must choose between those she loves most and assuming her part in a prophecy foretold by three seers. Repelled by violence, Joanna seizes a future with a man who loves her. But no matter how hard she tries, she cannot escape the spreading darkness of her destiny.

To learn the final, sinister piece of the prophecy, she flees across Europe with a corrupt spy sent by Spain. As she completes the puzzle in the dungeon of a twelfth-century Belgian fortress, Joanna realizes the life of Henry VIII as well as the future of Christendom are in her hands—hands that must someday hold the chalice that lies at the center of these deadly prophecies. . . .

*Thanks to TLC Book Tours for the review opportunity, and my apologies for being so late with my scheduled post! Click here to read my review of Bilyeau's debut, The Crown.

Nancy Bilyeau's The Crown on sale!

Last month I raved about a new favorite novel -- The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau, the story of a young Dominican novice during the reign of Henry VIII. This book is AMAZINGLY good, and today only (7/27/13) you can purchase the Kindle version for just $1.99! Go forth and read!

Review: The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau

The Crown
By: Nancy Bilyeau
Publisher: Touchstone
ISBN: 978-1-4516-2686-5

Review:

Joanna Stafford forsook the life of a noblewoman that was her birthright as a niece to the Duke of Buckingham for a life of seclusion and spirituality as a Dominican novice at the famed Dartford Priory. These are turbulent times in which to dedicated oneself to the service of the Catholic Church, as ever since Henry VIII obtained the dissolution of his marriage from Katherine of Aragon, the monasteries and priories so beloved by that queen and her supporters have found themselves under attack. All are threatened with dissolution at best, torture and a martyr's death at worst for not bowing to Henry's edict demanding they swear an Oath of Supremacy, binding them to the king first and foremost and ceding to the authority of the new Church of England. But safely ensconced within Dartford's walls, Joanna paid little heed to the tumult of religious politics consuming the outside world, until she receives news she cannot ignore - her beloved cousin has been sentenced to death. Lady Margaret Bulmer may pay with her life for opposing the dissolution of the monasteries and priories, but Johanna determines she will not die alone, and defying the rules of enclosure embarks on a dangerous journey to Margaret's appointed place of execution.

But the day of Margaret's death nothing goes as planned. When Johanna's father attempts to interfere with the execution, both he and Johanna are arrested and thrown into the infamous Tower of London on suspicion of treason. While incarcerated within the Tower's formidable walls, Johanna finds herself the unwilling pawn of the ruthless Bishop of Winchester, Stephen Gardiner. He arranges for Johanna's release, on one condition -she is tasked with finding the legendary crown of Athelstan, the first king of a united Britain, whose crown is rumored to possess incredible and dangerous powers. The crown is rumored to be hidden at Dartford, and only when it is safely in Gardiner's possession will her father be released. And so Johanna returns to the priory under a cloud of suspicion and mistrust, her sacred home, once a refuge, now heavy with the portent of faceless dangers. For while her father's life hangs in the balance, Johanna is faced with an equally graver choice -- can one who sought the peace of a religious life survive the treacherous machinations of court? And more importantly, can her faith survive the trials and discoveries her search for the crown requires?

People, THIS BOOK. The Crown is a fresh, utterly captivating glimpse into Tudor England through the eyes of those faithful to the old ways, those who fought to preserve a way of life threatened by the politics of lust and power. Its a rare thing to discover a debut so absorbing and masterfully executed -- a pitch-perfect historical that reads like a tautly-plotted thriller. The intrigue of Henry's court has provided endless fodder for fictional retellings, from the television show The Tudors, numerous films, and countless novels examining the lives of Henry and his wives. Bilyeau smartly sets her debut outside the court proper -- its influence is felt, but The Crown stands apart by showcasing the ripple effect of Henry's policies on those who sought to live their lives and faith outside the court-proscribed norm.

The Crown is positively saturated with the history of faith. Through the characters of Johanna and those who join her in her bid to preserve a vanishing way of life, The Crown is one of the most stirring, well-drawn portraits of faith that I've ever read. This is an emotionally-charged, vibrantly-detailed picture of faith under fire, both personally and corporately, never shying from its oft-times brutally honest examination of the nature and cost of belief, doubt, and sacrifice. While persecution between groups of people, be it over religious, ethnic, or political differences, is as old as mankind itself, here I was particularly struck by the tragedy of the conflict between Catholic and Protestant. Both claiming belief in the same God and His Son, and each side in turn guilty of horrors in the name of advancing their faith.

Joanna is a wonderfully compelling, multi-faceted heroine. A fiery mix of faith, devotion, and a fierce loyalty and temper, the latter often putting her at odds with the lifestyle to which she aspires. In a world where women were confined to strictly proscribed roles, Joanna is a woman wholly of her time, yet determined to be her own woman, above all striving to be true to herself, her faith, and her God. Bilyeau's cast of supporting players are equally well-sketched -- and let me just say, I cannot wait to see what Bilyeau has planned for Joanna's relationships with the angst-ridden healer, Brother Edmund, and the DELICIOUS constable, Geoffrey Scovill. :)

The Crown is an expertly-plotted, page-turning thriller replete with a wealth of historical detail and atmosphere, bringing the sixteenth-century to life. Bilyeau peppers the narrative with fascinating detail, everything from feast preparations to medical treatments for seizures. Given Joanna's status as a novice, Bilyeau deftly recreates the world of the priory, the beliefs and traditions that form the bedrock of Joanna's character. And the history of relics -- particularly the Athelstan crown -- the reverence with which they were viewed and shadowy legends that grew up surrounding their history. With her stunning debut Bilyeau has delivered a heady, unforgettable mix of fact and fiction. An author to watch, I cannot wait to see where she takes Joanna next!

About the book:

Joanna Stafford, a Dominican nun, learns that her favorite cousin has been condemned by Henry VIII to be burned at the stake. Defying the rule of enclosure, Joanna leaves the priory to stand at her cousin's side. Arrested for interfering with the king's justice, Joanna, along with her father, is sent to the Tower of London.

While Joanna is in the Tower, ruthless Bishop of Winchester forces her to spy for him: to save her father's life she must find an ancient relic -- a crown so powerful, it may possess the ability to end the Reformation.

With Cromwell's troops threatening to shutter her priory, bright and bold Joanna must decide who she can trust so that she may save herself, her family, and her sacred way of life. This provocative story melds heart-stopping suspense with historical detail and brings to life the poignant dramas of women and men at a fascinating and critical moment in England's past.

*My deepest thanks to TLC Book Tours for the review opportunity!