Mastodon The Writing Desk: Book Launch Spotlight: The Queen's Painter, a new take on the Anne Boleyn story through the eyes of the Tudor court's painter. by Wendy Holden

18 June 2026

Book Launch Spotlight: The Queen's Painter, a new take on the Anne Boleyn story through the eyes of the Tudor court's painter. by Wendy Holden


Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

When the brilliant young Holbein arrives at the Tudor court, Anne Boleyn is among his first patrons. As she rises to the top, Hans rises with her. Courtiers clamour for his portraits of life-like accuracy; pictures which tell the truth about their subjects.

When his beloved Anne is beheaded on false evidence, Hans is heartbroken and enraged. And he's not alone. Poet and diplomat Thomas Wyatt is agonised at his own unwitting part in her tragedy. He and Hans join forces and vow revenge on the person they blame for Anne's downfall: Thomas Cromwell, the king's ruthless chief minister.

But what can a poet and painter do against the most powerful man in England? The answer comes when Henry VIII seeks a fourth wife. Cromwell turns to Holbein and Wyatt, his trusted artist and envoy, to travel across Europe to find and paint a new bride. Cromwell's position depends on a portrait of someone young and beautiful, painted with Hans' trademark truth. Anything less could bring the whole court crashing down.

It's the opportunity they've been waiting for...

Praise for The Queen's Painter:

'A thrilling tale of danger and revenge' Literary Review

'InThe Queen's Painter, Wendy Holden brings a well-known piece of history to life with a fresh and vivid perspective. Utterly gripping and portrayed in exquisite detail, this is a story to lose yourself in entirely.' Elizabeth Lee

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About the Author

Wendy Holden's books have sold over 3m copies in 14 languages worldwide. Born in Yorkshire, Wendy read English Literature at Girton College, Cambridge and spent fourteen years as a journalist on the Sunday Times, Mail on Sunday, Harpers & Queen and Tatler before becoming a novelist.  Her experience on glossy magazines was the inspiration for her debut, the smash-hit comedy Simply Divine. Wendy then pivoted to historical fiction with the bestselling Windsor Trilogy. The Governess was about Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford, the young Scottish teacher who brought fun and normality to the childhood of Elizabeth II. The Duchess explored the incredible rise of Wallis Simpson whilst The Princess traced the young Diana Spencer’s extraordinary path to the altar.  Find out more at Wendy's website 

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