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'. . .Henry outlived his sister by just over five years, but it was long enough to enough to ensure that he won the PR war. As a result, Margaret Tudor has gone down in the historical records as a silly woman who spent her time buying clothes she couldn't afford and sleeping with unsuitable men. . . .Ironically, in the long term it was Margaret who won this deadly sibling feud. Despite his multiple marriages, Henry failed to establish a secure Tudor bloodline – none of  his children produced an heir. . . . Linda Porter has drawn on the latest scholarship to light up a shadowy and fascinating corner of Tudor history.'

Friday July26, 2024 review by Kathryn Hughes

Henry VIII's woman problem even included his sister (. . .whose fertility REALLY annoyed him)

 Saturday July13 2024 review by Katherine Harvey

        ' . . . Porter's highly readable account of Margaret's sad story compels the reader to sympathise with this unhappy woman, who was undoubtedly ill-served by the men in her life' And it is hard not to feel a little satisfaction at her ultimate triumph over Henry. . .  '

'She has long been dismissed as an oversexed drama queen. This biography argues she is misunderstood.'

'The history of princesses and queens has become well-trodden ground in the women’s history genre, particularly the Tudors. Linda Porter’s The Thistle and the Rose, a life of Margaret Tudor, queen consort to James IV and mother of James V, provides a refreshing change. . . '

The Thistle and the Rose: The Extraordinary Life of Margaret Tudor

Saturday July20 2024 review by Helen Carr

Reviews of The Thistle and the Rose
'With her usual narrative flair and meticulous research, Porter draws an engrossing portrait of a fascinating, highly intelligent woman and her important royal legacy.' ELIZABETH FREMANTLE
'Vigorously researched and compellingly written. . .a must-read for any Tudor - or Stuart - enthusiast.'   KATE McCAFFREY
'Vivid and dramatic, this is Tudor history at its finest.'   MIRANDA MALINS
'Gripping from start to finish, and provides a nuanced and human portrayal of this extraordinary woman.  A must read for any Tudor fans!'   ALICE LOXTON
'Just when you thought there was nothing new to be said about the Tudors, along comes this important and immensely readable biograhy.'   SARAH GRISTWOOD