Queen of this Realm — Jean Plaidy

Elizabeth I

Denounced as a bastard, imprisoned in the Tower of London by her fanatical sister, the iron-willed daughter of Henry VIII nevertheless was certain it was her destiny to become Queen of England. And when the crown finally came to her, she swore to uphold it, to pledge loyalty only to her subjects, to submit to no man--not even Robert Dudley, the greatest love of her life.

Through wars, intrigues, and plots against her life, Elizabeth ruled with a shrewdness and intelligence that earned the respect of her advisors and the complete devotion of her people. Elizabeth's story is that of a daring, brilliant woman whose legend is as vital as it was in the turbulent, colorful times she lived.