Mary, Queen of Scots: Queen without a Country, France 1553

Author: Kathryn Lasky
(Review by Samantha - 13)

One of the Royal Diaries series, this book show the life of Mary, Queen of Scots through her eyes. Follow her as she lives her life in France, betrothed to the Dauphin Francis and struggling with her role as Queen. Plots surround her, as do spies and others who wish her harm. But her friends and the man she truly loves are there to protect her throughout this wonderful book.

Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain 1466

Author: Carolyn Meyer
(Review by Samantha, 14)

In the 1400's in Spain, teenager Isabel longs for freedom and an easier life. Her father died when she was young, her mother has since become a hollow shell, her older brother became king and is trying to pick a "decent" husband for her, and she and her younger brother have been living in isolation for many years. But as she becomes older, she becomes determined not to be forced to marry an older man she did not know or love. But will she be able to marry then man she truly loves and become queen of Spain? Let Carolyn Meyer take you to Spain and find for yourself.