The Reluctant Queen and Other Reformation Women (Snuggs)
The women in this book – Lady Jane Grey, Anne Askew, Katherine Parr and Catherine Willoughby were Christian women of outstanding courage and conviction. Each was transformed by the teachings of the Reformation and experienced its dramas and dangers.
Elaine Snuggs has researched widely and deeply to portray for us four remarkable women living through a fascinating period in history, a period with immense consequences for England and indeed the world. The women are both well known (Katharine Parr, sixth and surviving wife of Henry VIII, and Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days Queen) and not so well known (martyr Anne Askew and Catherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk).
These were not flawless heroines but in their times of trial showed themselves to be brave, intelligent, educated women, of strong character and radiant spirit, living for the Lord who had saved them and whom they had come to know as the only Saviour and Redeemer by grace alone through faith alone.
See how God has exercised his sovereignty in history – in the public sphere as well as in the lives of individuals, and be inspired to love Christ more, and live for him.
Author
Elaine Snuggs has a degree in history from Southampton University and a postgraduate diploma from the College of Librarianship Wales. She worked for Dorset County Library and later helped her husband run the Dunstable Christian bookshop. They have a son and two grandchildren and now live in West Yorkshire.
Endorsements
Women have played significant roles in the advance of the Gospel, and this is especially true during the era of the Reformation. I am therefore thrilled with this new book … there is much that women – and men – can learn from them in our equally challenging day.
Michael A. G. Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
No–one could be in any doubt after reading this book, that these women really knew how to give an answer for the hope that they had in Christ. Elaine demonstrates how they courageously and wisely articulated this hope, and faithfully held fast to it until the end.
Jo Coleman, Chair, Grace Baptist Women’s Association
What a lively presentation of some of the women involved in the English Reformation! Elaine Snuggs has written a most energetic and revealing account of some of its key figures, albeit not quite on the front line. Not only does she write the story well, but she captures something of the spirit of the times.
Peter Barnes, Pastor, Author, Lecturer, Revesby Presbyterian Church, Revesby, New South Wales, Australia
… a very insightful view of the nitty–gritty of life in Tudor times – particularly in the higher strata of society.
Philip Parsons , Author of ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Church History’
Women are too often left out of our history, especially Christian history. This book helps to redress the balance by telling the story of four women from Tudor England who played significant roles in the stirring times in which they lived and maintained a clear evangelical testimony amidst the difficulties that they faced. This very readable and moving account will inform, inspire, edify and challenge men and women.
Robert Strivens, Principal, London Seminary, London
… succeeds in demonstrating that Reformation history is not just for the intellectual, but for the ordinary person as well. … a challenge and inspiration for believers today.
Pat Mollitt, Retired Pastor’s wife
… it is bracing and convicting to read of the way in which each of these women counted it a privilege to stand and suffer for Christ.
Sharon James, Social Policy Analyst, The Christian Institute
… a rich feast of historically fascinating and spiritual enriching biography. … will surely prompt the question in any sincere Christian mind: ‘What does Jesus mean to me?’
Mostyn Roberts, Pastor, Welwyn Evangelical Church, and author of biographies of Francis Schaeffer and Roger Williams