"interesting historical look at the legendary Anne Bolyn"
In 1532 Frances Pierce rescues Anne Bolyn from a mud
throwing mob that considered her to be the whore of King
Henry VIII. Feeling obligated Anne takes the country
bumpkin with her to court where she is determined to
pressure the monarch to divorce his Spanish Bride,
Catherine of Aragon so she can replace her on the throne.
Frances' honesty and loyalty quickly make her a favorite
confident of Anne. When Henry VIII does the unthinkable
and defies Heaven by divorcing Catharine and marrying the
pregnant Anne, Frances remains with her as her prime lady
in waiting. She stays with her mistress over the thousand
days as Anne falls from grace and she is there when the
second wife is accused and convicted of incest with her
brother. Finally Frances is one of the witnesses to
Anne's execution. Laurien Gardner's Second wives of Henry VIII tale is an
interesting historical look at the legendary Anne Bolyn
through the eyes of a loyal somewhat naïve servant.
Readers will appreciate the tidbits of history especially
some of the lighter moments though nothing new surfaces;
perhaps because the tale has been told so often. Still
this is a well written account of the relationship that
changed England (not just religion as that daughter that
Henry wanted male and legit was Elizabeth) so that fans of
Tudor tales will want to read. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 8, 2006
SummaryYoung 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.
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