"High Marks for Historical Detail"

In this book, the author gives us a remarkable story rich in historical background of the rise and fall of the most infamous Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII, mother of Queen Elizabeth, and the very first English queen to be publicly executed. It is told through the eyes of Frances Pierce, a simple, plain young woman who enters Lady Anne's circle after shielding her from an assault by an angry mob. While most considered Anne as a whore to the king, Frances saw only a beautiful lady and wished only to serve and love her with undying loyalty.

Frances was spellbound by Lady Anne. In the ways of the court Frances was extremely naïve and not of noble birth, yet Lady Anne needed loyal friends and sensing Frances' devotion kept her close. During those tumultuous times Anne found Frances' idolatry a balm for she was no fool and knew that while Henry loved her at the moment, he was capricious and she could only retain her place of power only by bearing him a son. When she failed at that, the vultures would move in and Henry's wandering eye and mood could be swayed by a new beauty and politics.

In the meantime, Frances' loyalty was rewarded as Anne arranged for a marriage between Frances and one of Henry's loyal Knight's, Sir John Carlisle. It was a surprise marriage for Frances who had secretly had a crush on Anne's brother George, but after the wedding night Frances found herself totally besotted with her new husband bearing him a healthy son. As Anne's inability to provide the king an heir and political maneuverings played out, Frances would remain steadfast in her loyalty to her queen, though Anne's loyalty towards Frances wavered. When loyalties became a dangerous pastime, Frances would have to make a choice between the queen she loved, or her family.

While this story was focused on Anne Boleyn, the secondary love story between Frances and Jack was quite lovely. Frances' protagonistic attitude towards her future husband was entertaining, and their romance quite enjoyable, but both were employed as vehicles to give background to the rise and fall of one of the most fascinating woman in English history. In any event the tragic life of Anne Boleyn is surely an enthralling tale. I give this high marks for historical background and recommend it to all lovers of Tudor history.

Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted July 8, 2006

Summary

Young Anne Boleyn entranced the most powerful man of his time, King Henry VIII. But she would not yield to him unless he offered her marriage and the Crown. To win her, Henry would challenge the powers of Heaven-- and create upheaval on Earth.